Burg Greifenstein, Medieval castle ruins in Hohenstein, Germany
Burg Greifenstein is a medieval castle sitting on a hilltop with two distinctive towers overlooking the Dill valley below. The site contains defensive walls, chapel spaces, and tower structures that show how a typical hilltop fortress was arranged in the 11th century.
The castle was built in the 11th century and first recorded in written documents in 1160. In 1298, the counts of Nassau and Solms destroyed the fortress, leaving behind the ruins seen today.
The Chapel of St. Catherine from 1462 displays Gothic features and historical frescoes that visitors can observe today. These sacred spaces reveal how the fortress served religious purposes for its medieval inhabitants.
The castle is accessible via walking paths that lead through the surrounding landscape and help with orientation. An on-site restaurant and herb garden allow visitors to combine their exploration with a break during their visit.
The Brother Tower houses three bells that produce different tones and displays a gryphon weather vane at its top. These details combine to create a rare feature that reflects the castle's name in an unusual way.
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