Koblenza's old castle

The old castle (Alte Burg) is located on the embankment of the Moselle River. Built on the foundation of the tower of the Roman Empire. At the end of the XIII century. by order of Archbishop Heinrich II von Finstingen, the castle was expanded, rebuilt and became part of the city fortifications.

In the following centuries, the Old Castle was constantly reconstructed, Renaissance and Baroque elements were added. The building has 2 towers overlooking the Moselle, a magnificent twisted staircase built in 1557.

During the War of the Spanish Succession, the troops of the French King Louis XIV besieged Koblenz and much of the old town, including the castle, suffered greatly from destruction. The Old Castle was badly damaged for the second time in 1794 during an invasion by French revolutionary troops.

From 1806 to 1897 there was a factory of tin products in the building. After the closure of this plant, the building was sold to the municipality of Koblenz, was restored and became a decoration of the city.

During World War II, the Old Castle suffered minor damage. In 1960-1962 the castle was renovated and today it is one of the main attractions of the city of Koblenz. After all, it is the only medieval building in the old city that has survived centuries and an eventful history.