Burg Ellar, Medieval castle in Waldbrunn, Germany.
Burg Ellar is a ruined hilltop castle in Waldbrunn, Hesse, with an almost rectangular layout measuring 21 by 27 metres. Its roughly two-metre-thick foundation walls are built of basalt stone and have neither windows nor arrow slits. A tower in one corner now serves as a viewing tower, and a covered pavilion stands inside the courtyard.
The fortress was founded in the late 13th century by the Counts of Diez to protect important trade routes. It later received confirmation as an imperial fief, which highlighted its importance in the region's power structure.
The castle demonstrates how noble families in this region displayed their power and controlled their lands. The building itself, with its massive walls, served as a symbol of authority and permanence to those living around it.
The castle is located at Oberstraße 15 in Waldbrunn and is clearly visible from outside. Visitors can view and photograph the building from the exterior at any time.
What stands out is that the structure has no windows or arrow slits, which is unusual for castles of that period. This feature makes it a rare example of very early fortress construction in the region.
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