Marksburg and Burg Eltz

Another Saturday in our German experience led us to two unique castles.  The first was Marksburg, located above the Rhine River,  In fact it was the only hill castle on the Rhine that was never destroyed or seriously attacked.  It was built in the 12th century and gave a true glimpse into life in the middle ages.

This was one of my favorite castle tours!!!

This castle is very rustic and authentic!

This castle even has a  torture chamber!

The view of the Rhine from Marksburg...

Part of the kitchen:

Then it was on to Burg Eltz, Rick Steves favorite European castle.  It is on the left bank of the Rhine on the Moselle River.  It is one of three castles never destroyed.  It has been in the same family for 33 generations.  Originally, 3 families built their castles together with a shared courtyard on a 70 m rock spur.  It was built from 1157 to 1472 and still looks the same.  It was a long hike from the parking lot but when we first caught a glimpse it was WOW!!!

 The Interior courtyard

We took the English tour but were not allowed to take any interior pictures!

A few more exterior shots...love the pile of stone cannonballs!

Another fabulous day touring gorgeous Germany!!!!