Cheb Castle, Imperial castle ruins in Cheb, Czech Republic
Cheb Castle is a medieval fortress featuring a distinctive black defensive tower that rises above the Ohre River. The site combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles in its double chapel and multiple stone structures scattered across elevated grounds.
Emperor Frederick Barbarossa transformed the original Slavic fortification into an imperial palace at the end of the 12th century. It became a major residence for the Staufen dynasty and served as an important center of regional power.
The chapel on the castle grounds is dedicated to Saints Martin, Erhard, and Ursula. It stands on ground that once served as a burial place for the local Slavic community.
The site is accessible year-round and visitors can explore the ruins at their own pace. Some paths are maintained while others are uneven, so comfortable walking shoes and attention to footing are advisable.
This is the only surviving imperial residence of the Staufen dynasty within what is now Czech territory. The location marks a period when German emperors traveled through the region and left behind monuments of their authority.
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