Eckartsburg, Medieval castle ruin in Eckartsberga, Germany
Eckartsburg is a castle ruin perched on a ridge whose residential tower once rose about 36 meters (118 feet) into the air. From this elevated location, the structure commanded an important passage between several valleys and offered broad views across the surrounding landscape.
The castle was built around 1190 under orders from Ludwig the Leaper, a nobleman who had several fortifications constructed across the region. It served as a fortified control point along the trade routes that crossed through the valley.
The name comes from the medieval figure of faithful Eckart, a character from old regional legends and tales. The story was so alive in people's minds that Goethe found inspiration here to write a ballad about it.
Access to the ruin requires good footing and caution, as parts of the structure are unstable and safety railings are absent in places. Visitors should check ahead of time, as the site is sometimes closed for maintenance work.
Inside the former residential tower stands a Romanesque double window with its original central column, a rare example of medieval craftsmanship still preserved. This detail has survived centuries of decay and shows the quality of the original construction.
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