Starkenburg looks more impressive from the distance than up front. Was it worth a visit? I would say it was but the reader should judge for themselves.
These photos were taken in 2008.
Starkenburg is possibly linked with the development of the Roman limes just to the east, as would the other castles along the Bergstrasse. It was started in 1065, the castle was gradually expanded and fortified, especially in the late 1600s to protect it from the proliferation of cannon in the armies of Europe. During the Thirty Years War, the castle was occupied by Imperial German and Spanish troops from 1621-23 under Count Tilly and Cordova.
The castle was occupied by troops from the Elector of Mainz, but when these withdrew in 1765, the castle began to decay from neglect. Three years later, the castle was struck by lightning, causing it to be gutted by fire. During the 1800s, the remains were used by local people as a quarry to collect stones for their own construction projects. This was eventually stopped in 1877.
During reconstruction the original keep, positioned in the middle of castle grounds, was demolished because it was too dangerous. The new one was positioned on the western side of the castle. As a result, in many ways Starkenburg does not represent its true medieval self. Today, it houses a youth hostel.
Left, two views of the outer walls of the castle.
There are some portions of the castle that are authentic, such as the watch tower in the foreground.
Right and below, a view of one of the entrances into the castle. It is obvious that the steps are new, but it is also difficult to determine if the entrance is authentic or a recent addition.
Below, one of the watch towers seen from two different angles, one from within the inner ward and the other from without.
This is the entrance to the tower. Yes, there is a fee and considering the fact that we saw basically the same view from several other castles we decided to pass.
This section appears to include some authentic elements as witnessed by the pieces protruding from the wall. This, and the bricked-up arched entrance indicates that there was a masonry section here that went over the entrance.
Below, a view within one of the watch towers, including the recently added stairway.
A view of Heppenheim below.
Below, one of the reconstructed stairways already shows serious wear and tear! What caused this damage is anyone's guess.
On the way up to the castle you will pass by the observatory positioned nearby. It was founded in 1970 and has been used for several European Radio Astronomy Congresses.
