Burg Wersau, Archaeological site of a former moated castle in Reilingen, Germany
Burg Wersau was a lowland castle near Reilingen, now vanished; nothing stands above ground. Sources describe a ring wall, a palas, probably four towers and about 24 further buildings including a chapel, mill and sheep farm, enclosed by watercourses of the former Kinzig-Murg channel. A plan of around 1690 shows an oval layout with buttresses. Only an old deep well long marked the spot.
The castle was founded before 1155 and functioned as a water fortress surrounded by channels from the former Kinzig-Murg waterway system. It fell into decline following the Thirty Years' War and gradually became a ruin.
Archaeological investigations since 2010 have revealed 24 different structures within the castle complex, including a chapel, mill, and sheep farm.
The site is best reached on foot and offers open access to the excavation grounds most days. A planned visitor center will provide information about discoveries and give more context about the castle's past.
Geophysical surveys in 2008 used special techniques to map underground structures beneath the surface without digging. This method revealed defense structures and residential areas that would have remained hidden otherwise.
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