Wartburg, Medieval castle in Eisenach, Germany
Wartburg stands on a 410-metre precipice southwest of Eisenach. Its Palas, built in the second half of the 12th century for the Ludowingian landgraves, is the earliest hall of its type in the German-speaking world. A tall square tower of rough brown masonry with a crenellated parapet rises beside long white plastered walls with shuttered wooden openings under red tiled roofs.
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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