Old Falkenstein Castle, Medieval fortress in Falkenstein/Harz, Germany.
Old Falkenstein Castle is a fortress in Falkenstein/Harz that rises high above the Selke valley and features seven fortified gates along with a protective wall structure. The complex includes multi-level buildings with living quarters, storage chambers, and a castle chapel that form the core structures of this medieval stronghold.
The fortress was built between 1115 and 1120 by the Lords of Konradsburg and served as the seat of their power in the Harz region for a long time. Later it became the place where an important legal document was written by a notable resident of the castle.
The castle displays rooms from different periods and houses a Gothic chapel that reflects medieval building traditions of the region. Visitors can observe how inhabitants lived in these spaces and what role religious structures held for those who dwelt here.
The site can be reached on foot from the town of Falkenstein via a marked path that is easy to follow. A visit is most enjoyable during warmer months when the paths are dry and views of the valley are at their best.
The castle complex includes five separate defensive zones called zwingers that form an unusually complete fortification system for the region. This layered design shows the careful strategy behind medieval fortress architecture.
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