Burg Hohenstein, Medieval castle in Taunus, Germany
Burg Hohenstein is a hilltop stone castle in the Taunus region, built with thick defensive walls, a central tower, and an inner courtyard. It sits on a rocky ridge above the Aartal valley, which is visible from the upper parts of the structure.
The castle was built in the late 12th century by the Archbishopric of Mainz as an administrative seat, then passed to the Counts of Katzenelnbogen. By the early 17th century it had been converted into a residential palace.
During summer, the castle grounds become an open-air stage where theater performances take place against the backdrop of old stone walls. Visitors who come at that time of year experience the place in a very different way than a typical sightseeing visit.
Reaching the castle requires a short uphill walk on an uneven path, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. The trail can get slippery after rain, so it is worth checking the weather before heading out.
The castle came through the Thirty Years' War largely without damage, which is rare for a building of that era in central Germany. This means that much of what visitors see today reflects the original construction rather than later restoration.
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