Left, the remains of the palas. The floor has been rebuilt after the debris field was cleared. As a result, the stubs of columns used to hold up the ceiling are visible (below).
Some of the reconstruction is visible in the photo below, where it is obvious the stones of the floor have been relaid. Note the stone benches along the windows.
Right, the remnants of the steps can still be seen in the watch tower that is alongside the main keep.
Below, the rebuilt wooden steps and platforms of the bergfried, or main keep. Though not as large as some other keeps, this one was sufficiently large enough to provide living space for extended periods if necessary.
Left, deep in the woods not far from the town of Manderscheid is the entrance through the outer wall leading to the upper castle. This section is almost 1,000 years old.
Above, a view from above of the palas (left) and the curtain wall that was built facing towards the upper castle. It was this wall that was limited by treaty to only approximately 10 meters. Yet, despite the Lord of Manderscheid's desire to engage in a form of "arms limitation talks" with his neighbor, it served them no purpose when the castle was besieged only a few years later. Another example of how we learn nothing from history, as history is replete with the wreckage of treaties made to limit the growth in armaments, only for an aggressor to violate such treaties and attack his weakened victims.
Right, a view of the road that goes from Niedermanderscheid up the hill to the village of Manderscheid. Below the road is a small stream and the roof of the main gate tower is visible.
The bridge is the location of the photo taken below right.
Below, a nice view of the lower castle. This is seen from the bridge spanning the stream.
