Katz Castle, Medieval castle in Sankt Goarshausen, Germany
Katz is a medieval castle perched on a hilltop between the Rhine Valley and Forstbach Valley in Sankt Goarshausen. The structure features robust defensive walls and a tall central keep that dominates the local landscape.
Count Wilhelm II of Katzenelnbogen built the castle in 1371 as a stronghold to protect toll collection along the Rhine's major trade route. The fortress underwent reconstruction after 19th-century damage and remains part of the region's medieval defensive network.
The name comes from the Counts of Katzenelnbogen who built it, forming a linguistic pair with the nearby Burg Maus castle across the Rhine. Local traditions in Sankt Goarshausen still reflect its role as a toll checkpoint that shaped medieval commerce in the region.
The castle is not open to the public, but you can see its exterior from several viewpoints on the opposite Rhine bank in Sankt Goar. The best views come from walking paths along the riverside or from boat trips on the river itself.
The fortress was destroyed by Napoleon's order in 1806, but was later rebuilt based on preserved historical drawings and documents. This careful reconstruction makes it a significant example of 19th-century restoration techniques in the region.
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