Although we had visited Cochem, a quaint little city on the Moselle River, on another outing, we did not go up to the castle. Being the castle-freak that I am, I insisted we revisit this quaint city and "do the castle" this time. It was not a disappointment! The town is yet another "perfect little German village" with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.
But what catches your attention first is the amazing castle (Reichsburg) on the hill above!
Its presence towers above the business district below.
We were very lucky to be visiting there in the fall. The colors rivaled anything we've seen back home, making the long walk to the top worth it all!
Originally built in the 12th century, the French under Louis XIV obliterated it in 1689. The castle remained a colorful stone ruin for 180 years until a wealthy Berlin businessman decided to buy the ruin and rebuild (not replicate) the castle in 1868.
Although there was a guided tour only in German, we were given an English handout
with limited information.
Our guide was a rather strange gal. When we asked for the English handout,
she gave us Dutch and couldn't see why we didn't want it. She's headed towards a copy of the famous painting by Rubens, "The Rape of the Sabine Women."
she gave us Dutch and couldn't see why we didn't want it. She's headed towards a copy of the famous painting by Rubens, "The Rape of the Sabine Women."
More of the beautiful red vine-covered walls!
Amazing views from the castle balcony of beautiful Cochem and its vineyards below
For centuries the Moselle River was the only link between France and Germany. The castle sits 100 meters above the river and was the ideal place for collecting taxes from the shipowners.
After the tour of the interior, we walked around the grounds.
The round tower survived the destruction of 1689 and is almost 1,000 years old!
Back in town there was no lack for action in the town square! It must have been Octoberfest!
Notice the wooden shoes!
The narrow cobblestone, shop-lined streets were so inviting!
View across the River Moselle
View of the fall vineyards as we headed back home
Fast and fuzzy, but interesting!
We had no idea that vineyards turned this colorful in the fall!
And the beautiful array of fall colors lead the way home.
Farewell, one more awesome castle!!!
haha. have you exhausted nearby castles yet? it seems nearly impossible that there could be more.
ReplyDeleteyep, everything in this post is truly amazing! i love the river. it's all so beautiful!
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