Welcome to my Castle – August 3, 2019

Saturday morning was a scenic sail on the Rhine with views of castles and wineries at every turn.  The wind made sitting on the top deck difficult but that was the best place to see these old castles, each with its own story.  Unfortunately, I can’t remember any of them.  It was nice to be able to be on the top deck again now that it has been re-opened.  During two days sailing on the Main, the deck had to be closed down and literally flattened to be able to pass under some of the bridges.

By 2 PM we docked in Braubach and were transported by motor coach to Marksburg Castle which is one of only two castle not destroyed.  The value and the significance of Marksburg Castle can be found in particular in its complete preservation as a medieval fortress.

Marksburg Castle from Rhine River

Although it was a challenge to get to with uneven walkways, narrow stairways, and multi-levels, it was an excellent representation of buildings dating back to the 13th to 15th century.  This castle was built more for protection than as a residence for a royal family with cannons and protected entryway, etc.  But it did contain some interesting interior rooms such as castle kitchen, great hall, bedchamber, chapel, armory, wine cellar and battlements.

Entry into Marksburg Castle

Kitchen in Castle

Icebox

Master Bedroom

Dinning Room

Chapel in Castle

View of Rhine River from Castle

It currently serves as a museum so it included a display of armor through the years and also a torture chamber.

Our motor coaches took us to Koblenz, where our ship had docked for the night.  We were able to walk around Koblenz if we wanted because the ship was not leaving until 3:30 AM.

Tram to mountain to get a view of Koblenz