An extensive amount of work has been done to restore sections of the castle without overly modernizing the site. The doorway to the right is a good example of this. The sections are authentic though some restoration has been done.
Above and right, two views of the entrance that leads to the inner ward. Note the carving on the stone flanking the steps. While this section is authentic, though restored, the steps are new, having been originally built in the 1860s.
A small section of an authentic piece of a wall reset during restoration. The rest of the section was apparently damaged beyond repair.
Though the inner ward was closed during our first visit, we were able to walk the circumference. We were able to get a pretty good assessment of the overall structure and design during this initial visit.
The section at right is the stretch of wall that was built against a large formation of sandstone.
Right, this represents the true main entrance on the south side of the site. While where I am standing appears to be a dry moat, in fact it was a defensive belt to protect the main castle.
Left, a view of the southern portion of the castle built directly into the rock.
Below, a cannon loophole in the main gate. It would be tempting to believe that the pock marks were from musket fire, but they are more likely the consequence of eorsion, the sandstone exposed to the rain and sleet over the scores of years.
