Munzenberg

I've been by Munzenberg several times, but only physically entered the site once, this being in 1978.  Thus, the photos on these pages are a combination of 1978, 2005, and 2008.

I actually visited several times in 1978, passing by while riding my bicycle.

Munzenberg was once one of the mightyest castles in Germany.  The castle was started around 1170, being built around the same time as the residence of the Holy Roman Emperor in Gelnhausen.  The eastern tower (left in the photos) was built first, with the western tower added in the 1200s under the Staufen emperors.  The castle was a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, the latter being very obvious in the window designs which are copies of the originals that have been placed in dry storage.

The castle was still largely unfinished in the mid-1200s when it was swept up in the feud for control of the throne of the Holy Roman Empire.  The castle was severely damaged during the fight.  The Falkenstein family took control of the castle and did much reconstruction work in the Gothic style.

During the period of the 12-1300s, the curtain wall and the western tower were finally completed.  The castle was expanded and strengthened in the 1400s to help protect the area from the usurpations of the Counts of Hesse, and concurrently it was integrated with the defenses of the town.  By the 1500s, the castle was largely abandoned as too expensive to maintain, and when it was occupied by Imperial troops during the Thirty Years War, additional damage was done.  After this, the castle began to decay from neglect. 

Above, several views of Munzenberg as seen in 2008.  Above right, a view of the castle in 1978.

Right, a view of the castle in 1978.  Some of the outer works of the castle can be seen below to the right.

Another view of the castle looking east, with the western tower closest.  This photo was also taken in 1978.

The eastern keep as seen from below.  Some work has been done to clean up the castle since this photo was taken in 1978.

A view of the castle from the south, with the western tower to the left and eastern to the right.  This is the opposite view from the top photos.

Below, a view looking out towards the town and the railroad trestle that passes by the castle.

Both photos from 1978.