Alte Burg

Alte Burg is a medieval castle ruin in Maroldsweisach that sits on a rock plateau 458 meters above the Weisachtal valley. The site features a tall bergfried tower from the late Romanesque period and includes medieval herb gardens with walking trails that wind through the ruins.

The stronghold was first mentioned in 1232 and controlled trading routes from Bamberg toward the north. It was abandoned in 1703 after becoming involved in repeated conflicts over the region.

The castle operated as a shared stronghold where multiple noble families lived together and divided responsibilities. This arrangement shows how medieval families organized power and space as partners rather than rivals.

The site is easy to reach since the area is well marked and several walking paths lead to the grounds. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the pathways between the stones and across the plateau can be uneven.

A chapel was built within the castle in 1438 to house relics of Saint Nicholas and the Virgin Mary, which later inspired the creation of a separate parish church in the valley below. This connection between the hilltop chapel and the valley church shows how the site shaped local religious life across generations.