Wartburg, Medieval castle in Eisenach, Germany
Wartburg is a stone fortress perched on a wooded hill rising 410 meters above Eisenach, with buildings in Romanesque style. The complex contains several courtyards, towers and chambers linked by narrow passages.
Count Louis the Springer founded the fortress in 1067 and it grew into a seat of power over the following centuries. In the 16th century, Martin Luther found shelter here and translated the New Testament during his stay.
Medieval singers once competed in the great hall, presenting their poems and songs before an audience. The rooms still carry traces of this tradition through wall paintings that show scenes from those musical gatherings.
Guided visits lead through the halls and chambers, with some areas reached by stairs without elevator access. The climb from the parking area follows a steep path through the forest and takes roughly 15 minutes on foot.
A dark stain on the wall in Luther's room is said to mark the spot where the reformer threw an inkwell at the devil, according to a popular tale. Visitors over the years have tried to touch the stain or take small pieces of it as souvenirs.
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