Stadtwüstung Blankenrode, Medieval castle ruins in Lichtenau, Germany.
Stadtwüstung Blankenrode is a medieval castle ruin with remains of fortified walls, a central settlement area, and defensive structures perched on a mountain spur in the Egge Mountains. The site displays the archaeological remains of a complete medieval town layout with visible traces of streets, buildings, and the former marketplace.
The castle was founded in 1250 by the Prince-Bishop of Paderborn and the Abbot of Corvey Abbey to establish territorial control against the Count of Waldeck. The settlement grew into a significant town but was eventually abandoned, leaving behind an archaeological record of medieval life.
The name Blankenrode refers to the cleared woodland that once surrounded the settlement. Walking through the site, you can make out the outlines of buildings and streets that reveal how the community was organized.
The site is reachable through marked hiking trails that follow the ancient Hersweg trade route, which crosses the watershed between the Rhine and Weser rivers. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, as the path winds through uneven ground and parts of the archaeological area are rough underfoot.
Archaeological research has revealed that over 1000 people once lived here, making it the most significant abandoned medieval town site in Central Europe. This population size was unusually large for a medieval settlement of that era and demonstrates the importance of this location as a regional center.
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