Thurant Castle, Medieval castle in Alken, Germany
Thurant Castle is a medieval fortress on a slate hill overlooking the Moselle River, divided into two separate self-contained sections. Each part has its own keep, residential buildings, and entrance, creating an unusual double-castle arrangement.
Count Palatine Henry I built the castle between 1198 and 1206 to enforce Emperor Otto IV's authority over the Moselle region. In 1248, the complex was formally divided, with each section coming under separate control by the archdioceses of Cologne and Trier.
The castle held the German imperial regalia during the 13th century, making it a place of major political importance in medieval Europe. Visitors can sense this historical weight when walking through the buildings and courtyards today.
The castle opens from March through November, with extended hours during the May to October season and closed Wednesdays. Wear sturdy shoes as the approach involves climbing steep pathways up the hillside.
The castle houses a collection of historical weapons and armor spanning different medieval periods, offering insight into how warfare evolved across centuries. These artifacts reveal the craftsmanship and changing defensive techniques that shaped the era.
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