Kim Richards

Current Mood: impressed

Altes Schloss (Meersburg Castle)

http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m203/sharrisselva/Germany%20trip/April%207%202008/

Altes Schloss is in Meersburg. We did quite a bit of sightseeing before taking off for Austria. Altes Schloss means ‘old castle’. And it is indeed very old being Germany’s oldest castle.It dates back to 628 a.d. founded by Merovingian King, Dagobert, who laid the first corner stone. Throughout the years it’s been owned by a famous poet, a philosopher and more.

The castle, overlooking Lake of Konstance was meant for heavy use. It’s survived many attacks. In 1334 when the castle was under siege by Emperor Louis the Bavarian, Bishop Nicholas I of Kenzingen had a secret underground passage dug from the castle to the lake. The 400 miners assigned to the task finished the tunnel in the 14th week of the siege, allowing supplies to be brought in to the castle without Louis’s notice. With the castle able to hold out for such a long time, Louis finally gave up.

Near the tunnel entrance is a dungeon. Known as the “Hole of Fear,” prisoners were lowered into it and left to starve. There are rubbings of carvings found down there.

We took the guided tour and then wandered about on our own for a few hours so there are a lot of pictures. The guard out front told us the entryway used to be a drawbridge. You can see the enormous wheels on the inside, used to raise and lower the bridge.

William pointed out to me the gorgeous inlaid wood designs on the tables and other furniture. The detail is incredible.