Rheinstein Castle

Our first castle visit happened this past Saturday, when the hubby and I caught a ride with a friend who had been there before, but in the time since initially going, he had purchased a new camera and wanted to go back and get some additional shots.

Now we're talking! A castle with a drawbridge!

According to our little English Guidebook (purchased for the bargain price of 3 Euro), the earliest mention of the castle was in 1323, as it was built in the early 14th century. It was built because there were arguments over two other castles (Reichenstein and Sooneck) between the Archbishopric of Mainz and the Palatinate.

I'm guessing because it was situated at such a lovely spot along the Rhine river, it was a popular residence of the archbishops of Mainz and other hoity-toity people of importance.

Just kidding, the guidebook said that.

Eventually it declined in importance and in 1823 it was bought by Prince Friedrich of Prussia for 100 talers (whatever those are)

At this time, renovations and improvements were made on the property, including building a chapel (below) and crypt. It was Prince Friedrich who really grew up here and due to his interest in art, antiques and weapons, collected such items and some are on display today (below the chapel shot, a picture of suits of armor he had in his collection room). Later in life, he and his wife used it as a summer home and then when Prince Friedrich passed away in 1863, he was buried there as he wanted.

The last owner of the castle, Barbara, Duchess of Mecklenburg, sold it in 1975 to a former opera singer who preserved it and renovated it so we can enjoy it today.

Here we are exploring some of the outside grounds. As we walked around it the clouds were coming in and out, but we managed to get a few sunny shots.

Obviously, it's right on the Rhine river, which as you climb higher, offered some impressive shots.

More shots of the river....

And here's me!

And the hubby!!

Eventually we started going inside to see all the ornate articles, visit the various rooms, and try not to fall as we ascended the teeny tiny staircases throughout the castle.

I'm a sucker for spiral staircases....

This is the dining room, probably the most heavily decorated room in the house. The ceilings and walls were painted to show perspective.

Eventually we snaked our way back outside and up towards the tower for additional pictures:

It was getting pretty chilly up there and the clouds had overtaken the sunshine, but it was really neat to be up so high (even though the staircase seemed to be the width of a laptop).

All in all, a fun way to spend a Saturday.