Oberburg, Kobern, Medieval castle ruins in Kobern-Gondorf, Germany
Oberburg is a castle ruin that stands 200 meters above Kobern-Gondorf on a ridge with origins in the early 12th century. The structure features a square bergfried measuring approximately 9 meters on each side and houses a Late Romanesque chapel with stone walls still largely intact.
The castle was constructed on a former Celtic hillfort site and came under the documented control of the Electorate of Trier in 1195. Over the centuries, it served as a fortified residence before gradually falling into disrepair.
The chapel dedicated to Saint Matthias was a pilgrimage destination for the faithful who came from surrounding areas seeking spiritual connection. Today, visitors can still sense this religious importance reflected in the chapel's design and the way it is integrated into the castle structure.
The grounds are open year-round without entrance fees, allowing visitors to explore the ruins freely at any time. A restaurant operates inside the bergfried, and parking is available in a designated area below the structure for those arriving by car.
A tunnel was driven through the castle's foundation in 1971 to accommodate modern traffic flow without damaging the historic structure above. This practical solution allowed the site to remain accessible while preserving its medieval character.
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