During the Middle Ages it was one of the most important imperial palaces in the Holy Roman Empire. For centuries it stood at the heart of European history and was a secure base and prestigious residence for the Empire’s head of state, the Kaiser.
Apart from the views there are three aspects to the visit- the palace itself with the Imperial museum, the Sinwell Tower and the Deep Well.
Approaching the castle
Within its walls
Views across the city
From the museum
The Sinwell Tower, situated in the outer Bailey, was the Keep used for defensive purposes, though it had an element of status. It was built in the late 13th century and added to in the 1569s
The tower on the left is the Sinwell
To get to the viewing deck one climbs 111 steps (Sherry counted them) and the photo below looks up the tower from the bottom
The Deep Well is at the centre of the outer bailey and was created to provide an independent water supply for the Castle. The shaft goes down 44.7m (it fluctuates with the water level) into the castle rock. To appreciate its depth the guide poured some water into it and from the time he did that until you heard the water hit the surface below was approximately 6 secs.
When divers cleaned the well out in 2012 the above are some of the items retrieved - includes a pair of sunglasses!!
A worthwhile visit!
We are not ones to take food photos but did so of our lunch today
Avocado, tomatoes, greens, red peppers and pomegranate seeds on lovely artisan rye bread!
Thank you Ralph for your suggestion re Sherry’s Kathmandu security system activator - I guess it pays to follow the clear, simple instructions
Kms driven to date 1611
Kms walked to date 214.1
Spend on diesel €65
Spend on tolls €0
1 comment:
Such an authentic looking castle, one gets the atmosphere immediately
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