Burgruine Blankenberg, Medieval castle ruins in Thuringia, Germany.
Burgruine Blankenberg is a medieval castle situated on rocky terrain, supported by seven substantial pillars that form its most recognizable features. The original fortification wall and moat remain visible, giving shape to how the structure once stood.
The castle was founded in 1192 and endured for more than 750 years before Soviet forces destroyed it in 1948. This demolition ended a long chapter in the region's defensive history.
The ruins sit on what was once a border between two divided nations, making it a symbol of separation and reunion. Visitors can sense how this location marked a significant boundary in the region's past and present.
The site is accessible via hiking and cycling trails along the Grünes Band, with clear signs marking the way through the grounds. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the terrain is uneven and requires careful footing in places.
Excavations after 1990 uncovered preserved wall sections that sparked renewed attention to the site. A model constructed in 2007 shows how the castle originally looked, offering visitors a visual reconstruction of its past form.
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