Burg Waldau, Medieval castle ruins in Vohenstrauß, Germany
Burg Waldau is a medieval castle ruin in Vohenstrauß built from granite blocks with pointed arch doorways and original window frames still visible in the masonry. The site occupies a serpentinite rock formation and functions today as an archaeological location.
The castle originates from the 13th century under the Waldau family and was sold to Willibald von Wirsberg in 1545 when Jörg von Waldau transferred his holdings. In the early 18th century the declining village church was incorporated into the fortress, with its tower functioning as a bell tower until 1912.
The chapel once held an ornate Acanthus altar that was later moved to the nearby village church. Visitors can still see this carved piece on display there today.
The site is privately owned with restricted access, so it is best to inquire in advance about visiting possibilities. From the surrounding area the ruins can be viewed from the edges of the rock formation, and sturdy footwear is advisable for the uneven terrain.
In the early 18th century, the deteriorating village church was repurposed into the existing fortress complex, with its tower serving as the castle bell tower for over 2 centuries. This uncommon blending of a religious structure into the defensive system shows creative medieval adaptation rarely seen in other sites.
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