Burg Eltville, Gothic castle in Eltville am Rhein, Germany
Burg Eltville is a Gothic castle in Eltville am Rhein featuring a fortified residential tower surrounded by walls with a moat and bridge approach. The tower has multiple floors connected by spiral staircases, providing access to different rooms that served various functions over time.
A tower castle on this site was destroyed in 1301 during the Rhine customs war. After Baldwin of Luxembourg became Archbishop of Mainz in 1328, Eltville became an episcopal residence, and he began the present castle in 1330, completing it by 1345. Work continued until 1419, and in 1465 Archbishop Adolf of Nassau ennobled Johannes Gutenberg here.
The castle houses a museum dedicated to printing arts and Gutenberg, with engravings showing the development of the town over centuries. These collections show how the place was once a center of craft and artistic achievement.
Multiple floors are accessible through spiral staircases within the tower, with an information desk at ground level and viewing areas higher up. Allow time for climbing the stairs, especially if you want to reach the upper viewing areas.
In 1465, Archbishop Adolf of Nassau granted Johannes Gutenberg the title of nobleman at this castle, the only honour the printer received during his lifetime. The document was issued in the Electoral Hall in the east wing, where prince-electors also met and imperial elections were held.
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