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| Perched on a prominent mountain cone, more than 100m above the water level of the Mosel river sits this Gothic Style Castle Reichsburg Cochem Castle. The word Reichsburg means "Imperial Castle". And this is a beautiful Imperial Castle with it's many merlons and towers. It really did take my breath away. This was the view as we walked up to the Reichsburg. |
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| This was a wall is in the main square. Jer and I thought it was a beautiful masterpiece. I'm sure it has some awesome history but we didn't have a guide in the main square and the wall itself doesn't have any information. |
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| First and second outer castle gates. Kayden would not approve it did not have a draw bridge. |
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| This castle has a long history, dating back to the year 1000 AD, in 1689 the castle was totally destroyed by French Soldiers under King Louis XIV of France. Except for two of the main towers that are still standing today. In 1868 Louis Frederik Ravene bought the castle from the Prussian state property for 300 gold marks (or about $500) and had the castle rebuilt. After 75 years in the family's possession the caslte was bought by the German Reich 1943. Since 1978 it has belonged to the town of Cochem. |
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| A Knight greeted us as we entered the Castle Grounds. This is the very first castle we have been too that allows you to take pictures inside/outside the castle. |
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| The Witches Tower. This is the only remaining part of the Reichsburg Fortress. It's called the Witches castle because in the Medieval times this was the tower that held those accused of witchcraft. If you look close you can see some of the original medieval plaster. |
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| Gothic style stain glass windows. |
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| This picture of the Double-headed eagle is from the Dining Hall. The ceiling is made of wood, decorated with poker-work, which means that the patterns are burnt in and then painted. How cool is that? I absolutely loved all the woodwork in this Castle. The huge beams to the beautiful furniture. It was breathtaking. |
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| I loved the Ivy growing on the side of the castle. |
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| What a Charming Fireplace in the Dinning Hall. |
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| The magnificent buffet on the back wall with the fine Delft Chinaware. |
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| In the Gothic room or Caminata (chamber reserved for ladies) they called it this because the room had a fireplace. These are three Korean vases. |
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| What animal does this look like? Frogs? Wrong they are two heraldic lions. even though they look like frogs they are not. They are LIONS wearing a knights helmet and the visor is down. |
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| The Knight's Hall had some beautiful Knight's Armor. |
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| We got to see some more breathtaking stain glass. I love the stories told through glass. |
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| Most of the furniture was purpose-built for this castle 100 years ago in the style of the neo- Renaissance. Look at this huge fireplace. There are two heraldic lions on it. The vases are Japanese chinaware. I would love to have dinner in this room with the fire going. DREAMS! |
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| This wardrobe is the most valuable piece of furniture in this castle. From early Renaissance dating from the sixteenth century. |
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| This painting is and eighteenth century Italian. Wow, the history in this Castle! |
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| This was in the ladies sitting room. Again wouldn't you love to have tea in this spot? |
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| This piece of furniture is one of my favorites. I love the marquetry the inlaid wood decorations. |
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| The Weapons Room had a 7 foot Knight's armor. It was huge. The weapons on the wall were used by the knight's servants. |
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| In former times they use to collect rainwater in a cistern and later they built a well. This well is 150 deep. |
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| Inside the Courtyard. I will take my lunch right here. So picture perfect. |
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| Coat of Arms. |
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| This was the gorgeous view from the castle balcony. Yeah, I think I could wake up to this every morning. |
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| For centuries the Moselle river was the only link between France and Germany. |
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| This was the handrail leading up to the castle. The head and tail of a snake, maybe a dragon? |
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| One of the manny narrow streets running through Cochem. |
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| Jeremy and I loved the city of Cochem so much charm and just fun. |
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| They had a couple street performers trying to earn some money. How are they doing that? CRAZY! |
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| Jeremy and I on the Balcony of the Castle with the Mosel river and Cochem behind us. |
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| I was taking some beautiful panoramic pictures when the tour guide said it was time to go. This is the first time we have been kicked off the castle grounds. You only have the time allowed in your tour group to be on the grounds. I almost paid for another tour just so I could stay on the castle grounds. It was just beautiful and I truly didn't want to leave. But alas my tour time was up. |
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| You can see some of the wine vineyards on the right and the Mosel river on the left. |
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| Reichsbug Cochem |
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| Jermey and I on the train city tour. |
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| Jer took this picture standing on the bridge over the Moselle river. It's beginning to look like fall. My most favorite time in Germany. BEAUTY all around. This castle was one of my favorites. |
