Martinsburg, Medieval château in Lahnstein, Germany
Martinsburg is a castle from the 14th century that rises along the Rhine River, featuring a rectangular tower house with two corner towers. Today the building functions as a multi-use complex with private apartments, offices, and a museum inside.
Built in 1298 as a customs fortress for the Archbishops of Mainz, the structure monitored river traffic and toll collection. The tall keep was added around 1400 and included an internal staircase and sanitation features unusual for its time.
The castle now houses a carnival museum that displays masks and costumes from regional celebrations along the Rhine. Visitors experience how these traditions remain connected to the life of the surrounding communities.
The castle is accessible through guided tours that let visitors explore the interior spaces. Visit during daylight hours to see the architectural details and museum displays clearly.
The keep measures about 28 meters tall and was built with an integrated spiral staircase and toilet facilities, features that were quite advanced for the 1400s. These details show that castle builders of the time were already thinking about comfort and practical living.
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