Castle in the clouds

Story of the three castles

Why the title story of three castles? Over the years, three castles were built on the same site. The first two were not lucky enough to survive to this day like the third castle. However, he did not do well either.
The first personal mention of the House of Hohenzollern dates back to 1061. Historians agree with this, although the first written mention of this castle was made only in 1276.
In May 1423, the territory of the first castle was occupied by Swabian troops. He didn't last ten months under siege. It was completely destroyed at the beginning of next year.
The second and larger part of the castle was built between 1454. and 1461. years. The second version managed to survive the Thirty Years' War. At that time, the castle was a refuge for many, but it also served as an important strategic object. Almost three centuries after the construction of the second version began, the fortress was occupied by French soldiers. After the occupation and departure of the last Austrian owner, it remains abandoned.

At the beginning of the 19th century, only ruins remained, and of all the rooms at that time, the only functional one was the chapel of St. Michael.
The third luck and the construction of the third castle, stand in the same place today. Construction began around 1846. and lasted almost three decades. The main character of this story is Friedrich Augustus Schutler, appointed by Friedrich William IV. as the royal architect. His masterpiece is the Neues Museum in Berlin as well as the dome of the triumphal arch of the main portal of the Berliner Stadtschloss.
The castle was built in a neo-gothic style with a touch of German romanticism.

On September 3, 1978, the unfortunate castle was hit by an earthquake at 06:08 in the morning. The epicenter of the earthquake was a little less than three kilometers from the town of Albstadt (a town about half an hour's drive from the castle itself). Magnitude 5.7 at a depth of almost seven meters. The earthquakes were felt within a radius of as much as 400 kilometers. The fortress was quite damaged at the time. The renovation lasted until the mid-1990s.

Although three castles were built in the same place, and after the third one overcame many wars, desolations, earthquakes, and other adversities during its existence, the castle finally got the rich life it deserves. It is a well-known attraction, which many people like to visit. It even takes second place in the top ten most beautiful castles in Germany. The first is, of course, Neuschwanstein.

The entire castle is surrounded by stone walls that once served as a defense against enemies. If you enter the main door, you will have a view of the medieval Catholic church.
The dungeon is definitely of great interest to visitors.
From time to time, a mysterious rumbling is heard. Residents say it's the cry of ghosts. Although it's probably just the sound that makes the air through the corridors.

Prepared white deer and antlers of young deer.

The second part of the collection.

The armor probably dates from the fifteenth century. The armor itself was not secure enough, so they wore a jacket under it that was sewn from rough fabric or leather.
Regardless, a strong blow to the armor could seriously injure the person wearing it.
The fabric on the chest, neck, and stomach was thicker to protect as much as possible, but on the elbows and around the hands, thinner so as not to hinder the warrior.
Also, they put fabric under the helmet similar to today's caps.

Interesting fact: The first cannons began to be used around the 14th century. Its purpose was to intimidate opponents since they were quite loud.The danger was greater for the person filling the pipe than for those on the other side. During filling, there was a big chance that the pipe they were filling would simply burst in an instant.

Clothes from that era. It's beautiful, but how comfortable was it? Just remember those scenes from the movies when the maids pull the corset strings while the princess tries to breathe.

Surprise! Bathrooms were quite similar to today's, which is not really such a miracle since we know when the third version of the castle was built.

Heating. The radiator is almost the same as we have in bathrooms today. Although today it is used to heat the room and dry towels or clothes.

On paper, they ask that the toilet not be used. It's hard to believe that they used to have just such plastic brushes for cleaning toilets.

The lady in the picture probably can't believe she used candles to light the room when there's an outlet next to her bed.

Beautiful furniture.
If you live in Germany, you can easily find a similar living room set on eBay. Some are even given as gifts!

Maybe because it's not golded like this one.

A desk, a sheet of paper, pen, and ink with which they wrote letters.
You will see a letter from George Washington thanking Baron von Steuben for his help in the fight for US independence.

Karl Anton

Huge pictures of the former rulers of the castle in pictures. The pictures are probably two meters long.

Children's corner.
On the table is a picture of a boy who is watching over his sister on his knee. The picture was taken in 1955.

The corridor where the soldiers' armor and their weapons are found

A knight on a horse.

Oh,yes! This one is for kids.

In addition to the relics, the grave of the Prussian Prince Wilhelm and his wife Cecilia is located here.
Since 1952, the remains of Frederick the Great and Frederick I have resided here. Forty years later, after East and West Germany were united, these remains are returned to Potsdam.

Source: https://www.burg-hohenzollern.com/geschichte-der-burg.html

https://www.rtl.hr/zivot/sos/dvorac-hohenzollern-saznajte-sve-o-ovom-prekrasnom-njemackom-dvorcu-0b4bbe86-b9f3-11ec-abea-0242ac120015?amp=1

Thank you for your attention and time. I hope you enjoyed the post.
See you soon :)

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