Burg Berwartstein, Germany
Channel: Patrick Beckers
Date: 2023-02-26

Berwartstein Castle is situated on a 100-metre-high sandstone rock and was first mentioned in a document in 1152, but legend has it that the castle is much older (8th century). It was one of the rock castles that formed part of the Palatinate's defences in the Middle Ages. It was considered unconquerable, but was besieged, captured and destroyed in 1314 (armies of Strasbourg and Hagenau). In 1480, the castle was rebuilt and extended. In 1591, however, the castle burned down completely after a lightning strike. What remained was a ruin that changed hands several times over the next three centuries, but remained a castle ruin. The ruin was not rebuilt to a habitable state until 1893-1895. Around 1955 it was further renovated. The castle is still inhabited today, but part of it is set up as a museum and is shown to visitors during guided tours.

More info about and pictures of this castle at 

www.castles-across-europe.com