Trifels Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Trifels Castle |
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Reichsburg Trifels
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![]() Trifels Castle as seen from the air
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Alternative names | Burg Trifels |
General information | |
Status | partially restored |
Type | Rock castle |
Town or city | Annweiler am Trifels |
Country | Germany |
Coordinates | 49°11′46″N 7°58′44″E / 49.19611°N 7.97889°E |
Elevation | 479m |
Governing body | General Directorate for Cultural Heritage Rhineland-Palatinate |
Trifels Castle, also known as Reichsburg Trifels in German, is an old castle in southwestern Germany. It sits high up on a mountain near the town of Annweiler. The castle is built on a red sandstone mountain that has three peaks. Trifels Castle is on one peak, and on the other two, you can find the ruins of Anebos Castle and Scharfenberg Castle.
Since the 1800s, Trifels Castle has been slowly rebuilt. Today, you can see copies of the Imperial Regalia there. These are the special crowns, scepters, and other items used by the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. Trifels Castle is one of the most popular places to visit in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Contents
History of Trifels Castle
Early Beginnings and Imperial Power
Trifels Castle was first mentioned in a document from 1081. At that time, it belonged to a local noble named Diemar. Later, it became an "Imperial Castle" (Reichsburg) in 1113. This meant it belonged directly to the emperor.
Emperors often used Trifels Castle as a safe place. They kept important treasures there, including the Imperial Regalia. These were the symbols of their power.
A Royal Prison: Richard the Lionheart
Trifels Castle is famous for holding a very important prisoner: Richard the Lionheart. He was the King of England. Richard was captured in December 1192 while returning from the Third Crusade.
He was held at Trifels Castle for about three weeks in 1193. There's a legend that a musician named Blondel de Nesle found him. However, Richard's location was not a secret at all.
Decline and Rebuilding Efforts
After the powerful Hohenstaufen family lost control, Trifels Castle became less important. It was given away or sold many times. The castle slowly fell apart, especially after the Thirty Years' War. People even used its stones to build other things.
In the 1800s, the kings of Bavaria decided to rebuild the castle. Many plans were made over the years. The rebuilding work continued for a long time.
The castle you see today is not exactly like the original medieval castle. It has been changed quite a bit during its many reconstructions. However, it still looks impressive with its large well tower and bridge. The rocky area around the castle is also a popular spot for rock climbers.