Wartau Castle, Medieval castle ruin in canton St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Wartau Castle is a castle ruin in eastern Switzerland that sits on a rocky outcrop and features a rectangular tower with four stories. The walls are sturdily built and show the typical structure of a fortified complex from the Middle Ages with clearly defined areas for defense and living.
The castle was built around 1225 and served various lords for centuries, including the Belmont family and later the city of Lucerne. After 1530 the building gradually fell into decay until it became a ruin.
The structure shows the marks of medieval Swiss defensive architecture with its characteristic elements. Visitors can still see today how crenellations and living quarters were interlocked and reflect the daily life of the inhabitants back then.
The site is best reached on foot, with the route passing over rocky terrain where sturdy footwear is recommended. It is wise to prepare for uneven ground and bring sufficient time to explore the remains and the location.
The northern part of the ruin contains a prominent main tower that rises significantly higher than other areas of the complex. This asymmetry in the building structure shows how the castle was expanded and modified over different periods.
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