Schloss Thorn, Medieval château in Palzem, Germany
Schloss Thorn is a castle in Palzem that rises on a hillock above the Moselle valley and the Saargau region. The building blends architectural styles from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, and Empire periods into a layered structure.
Roman soldiers built a guard tower here at a strategically important location to protect a river crossing. The castle's name derives from the Latin word turris, preserving the memory of this ancient defensive purpose.
The castle has been home to the Hobe-Gelting family for generations, who have shaped life here through their wine production. You can see how noble families once linked their vineyard operations directly to their residences.
The grounds are best explored by taking time to notice the different architectural styles visible in the rooms and outer walls. The elevated location offers good orientation over the surrounding valley and provides a clear view of the border region.
The property houses one of Europe's last surviving wooden wine presses, a device from the past that shows how wine was once made here. This old press makes it possible to understand the practical side of viticulture from earlier times.
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