Neurathen Castle, Rock castle in Lohmen, Germany
Neurathen is a rock castle in Lohmen, Germany, perched on a sandstone cliff above the Elbe River. The site consists of chambers chiseled into stone, narrow passages, a cistern, and beam holes showing where wooden constructions once connected the rooms.
The castle arose in the first half of the 13th century as a fortification in Saxon Switzerland. Over the centuries it changed hands several times until it was finally abandoned in 1485 after battles between Bohemian and Saxon troops.
The name Neurathen comes from an old word for clearing and points to early settlement in this area. Today, hikers come here to see the rooms carved into rock and understand how people lived at this height during medieval times.
A marked circular trail leads through the site and connects the individual rock chambers. Information panels along the way explain the function of each area and give insights into construction methods and life in the castle.
The cistern carved into the rock could collect rainwater for the garrison and was a key factor in the castle's defensive capability. Without this water supply, the occupants would not have lasted long during a siege.
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