Obernburg, Medieval castle ruin in Gudensberg, Germany
Obernburg is a medieval castle ruin sitting on the Schlossberg hill near Gudensberg in Hesse. Parts of the stone walls, gate structures, and the foundations of the former keep are still standing and can be explored on foot.
Obernburg was built in Romanesque style and is recorded as a fortress in the region from 1121 onward. During the late medieval period it withstood several attacks, including those launched by forces from Mainz in the course of territorial disputes.
Gudensberg's coat of arms shows the stylised gate of the castle. Since 14 May 2006 the plateau has served as an exhibition space for art: Adolf Luther's installation "Spiel mit dem Licht" stood there until 15 October 2007, and works by the American artist Mac Whitney were shown on the castle hill during the "Die 70er Utopie" exhibition.
The ruins can be reached by marked trails and are open to visitors throughout the year at no cost. Sturdy footwear is a good idea since the ground is uneven and some sections involve a steeper climb.
A local group has taken on the long-term care of the ruins and occasionally leads guided tours of the site. Their work has opened up parts of the castle that were previously hard to reach or see.
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