Hello dear Hivers! 👋
Today in my post I will tell you more about two castles in Germany that we visited recently. I will take you back several hundred years to the Middle Ages and introduce you to two not-so-famous sites.
Hope you will enjoy it! :)
Berlepsch Castle
Berlepsch Castle (Schloss Berlepsch) is a castle located not far from the city of Göttingen and very close to the border with the region of Lower Saxony. From Gottingen can be reached by car in around 20 minutes.
Berlepsch Castle
At the beginning of the 14th century, the ancestral property of the Berlepsch family was destroyed and they were forced to move. Initially they lived in the Hessen castle of Bischoffhausen, but in the period 1368-1369 Arnold von Berlepsch built the foundations of Berlepsch Castle. The north side of the complex is closed with a defensive wall.
Arnold von Berlepsch received several villages in the area and his holdings increased significantly. After his death, however, the castle was destroyed by Hessen troops. Half a century later, however, it was rebuilt, surrounded by stronger walls and fortified with towers. In the 16th century it was expanded in the Revival style, and at the end of the century a stair tower with a Renaissance portal was built.
The entrance of the castle
In the 17th century, the castle was looted and ravaged several times by Tilly's mercenaries. In one of the successive wars over the years, Gottfried Heinrich's troops even took Richard von Berlepsch hostage. He died soon after his ransom. Due to the ongoing fighting and the inability to cultivate the land, the family's wealth decreased significantly. The family is forced to move their small remaining assets and wealth to a safer place due to the relentless risks of robbery.
Years later, in the 19th century, in calmer times, the last heirs to the family managed to make extensive repairs and alterations and give the castle its current appearance. He acquired the neo-Gothic style characteristic of the period. An ornithological collection has been created in the castle, and the coat of arms of the two lines of Berlepsh is walled up in the stone coat of arms in the outermost of the three gates.
Over the years, several feature films have been shot in the castle, and in 2011 it was named the most beautiful castle in Hessen.
The castle today
Today the castle is open to visitors and anyone can walk and get acquainted with this landmark. It's amazing how castles like this were built so many years ago. Attractions such as crossbow shooting have been made for the little ones. And the older ones who have an interest can get acquainted with weapons from the Middle Ages.
There is also a restaurant where you can sit down to relax, have a nice German beer and eat traditional food.
And for the view - indescribable. From the height, such beauty and tranquility is revealed that you can stand and watch for hours.
The amazing view from the top
The castle also has a large garden, which is located west of the medieval fence and where you can walk and enjoy the tranquility. The garden is very similar to the typical English landscape gardens. The beautiful chapel of the castle is located in the garden. It is also open and you can enter it!
The castle is not one of the most famous, but it is a very interesting and impressive place that is worth visiting.
Burg Adelebsen
The other castle I will tell you about is Adelebsen Castle. Adelebsen Castle is a medieval complex built on a rock. It is located about 15 km from the city of Göttingen. For almost 8 centuries it was home to the family of Baroness von Adelebsen, which ended in the mid-19th century.
Some history of the castle
Unfortunately, there is little reliable information about the beginning of the castle. It is believed that lords of the family moved here in the early 13th century and built the castle in the following decades. The castle was first officially mentioned at the end of the century.
In the middle of the 15th century the castle was burnt down, and during the Thirty Years' War both the castle and the whole town were badly damaged.
Later the castle was reconstructed, and in 1740 the buildings were expanded and the castle was transformed into a palace.
The street leading to the castle
Today the castle is owned by the Adelebsen Foundation. Its goal is to preserve the castle and the adjacent properties through its income from agriculture and forestry.
Unfortunately, today the castle is closed to visitors and you can only walk outside and enjoy the architecture. But the place is perfect for afternoon walk. Тhe feeling of touching history and such majestic places is amazing. From above there is a great view of the city and beautiful nature.
We had a great day and got acquainted with the beautiful German castles. I'm not sorry we visited them and I hope you enjoyed this tour!
Thank you for your attention!