Marksburg Castle Photos

Marksburg Castle was the most fascinating castle have ever visited, and I’ve visited quite a few. It’s not because it was the most opulent or important castle I’ve ever seen. (It was neither.) It’s because our Viking River Cruises tour guide gave such an intriguing glimpse into what life was like during the time of castles, kings, knights and princesses. Let me tell you, it wasn’t nearly as romantic as Disney would have us believe. Here’s why you will want to visit Marksburg Castle with Viking River Cruises.

Table of Contents.Marksburg Castle historyLocated in Braubach, Germany – Marksburg Castle has been perched on a hill above the Rhine River for over 700 years. In fact, it is the only hill castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed. First mentioned in the 13th century, the castle was occupied by noblemen and royalty for hundreds of years. In the 1800s the castle became a home for disabled soldiers, a prison, and eventually, apartments. Today it has been returned to its Middle Ages “glory” and is showcased for tourists. A fancy Middle Ages bathroom with a lock on the outside (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)There’s a lock on the castle’s toilet door; not on the inside for privacy, but on the outside to prevent intruders from crawling through the loo and entering the residence.

The toilet protrudes from the building, offering a seat over a holeand look out below! Situated right off the central dining room, our Viking River Cruises guide explained that it would have been rude to leave guests in order to relieve oneself so the door was kept open so conversations could continue mid-duty. Medieval torture implement on display at Marksburg Castle (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin) Time for tortureWhat would a castle be without a dungeon? At Marksburg we got a tour of the implements used to ward off crimes during the Middle Ages. A long metal caged face mask shaped like a pig’s snout with a weight at the tip was placed on women who committed adultery so their crime could be known to all as they walked on all fours to push the heavy contraption forward. Makes the Scarlett letter seem minor, doesn’t it?! The lock above was used for thieves, who were placed on display in the town center with their feet and hands secured between the wooden slats; sometimes spikes were placed in the holes to add to the misery. A chastity belt (at top), breastplates and weapons (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin) The truth about chastity beltsYou’ve probably heard the rumor that chastity belts were used by knights to keep their wives faithful while they were off fighting wars, or by kings to keep their daughters’ virginity intact.

Answer 1 of 18: Next year we have a river cruise booked that stops in Koblenz. On offer is an optional tour to Marksburg Castle ( US$50 per person ) organised by the tour boat people. Apparently it's a 2 hour tour. So those who have been there, is the US$50. Stock video footage Marksburg castle on the river Rhine. Royalty free. Download now on Pond5.

According to our trusty Viking River Cruises tour guide, though, this is just untrue. The belts were extremely uncomfortable and not meant for longtime wear.

In fact, chastity belts were used to protect noblewomen and girls from rape during travel away from their own villages. View of the Rhine River from Marksburg Castle (Photo credit: Travel Mamas) Marksburg Castle with Viking River CruisesOur tour of Marksburg Castle with Viking River Cruises may not have evoked romantic images of princesses in ball gowns and charming princes, but it was incredibly interesting and informative. In fact, Marksburg Castle was my husband’s favorite stop on.

At other castles I have visited in, England, Germany and beyond, I have received merely a brief history lesson relevant to the location. But here I gained a real understanding of the need for castles (defense!) and the harsh reality of life in the Middle Ages. Fascinating!Would you like to visit Marksburg Castle with Viking River Cruises, or do you prefer to explore sites on your own?A Note from The Travel Mama: Our cruise and castle tour was hosted.

All opinions are mine, as always. About Colleen LaninColleen Lanin is the founder/editor-in-chief of TravelMamas.com. As the author of her book, 'The Travel Mamas' Guide,' she teaches parents not only how to survive a trip with children, but also how to love exploring the world with their offspring. Autobahn police simulator free download torrent. Her stories have appeared online and in print for such outlets as the 'Today' show, NBCNews.com, Parenting Magazine, Orlando Sentinel, Chicago Tribune, Expedia, San Diego Family Magazine, and more.

Colleen gives tips on television, radio, and as a public speaker. She has a master’s degree in business administration with a background in marketing. She lives in Arizona with her husband and two kids. I loved our Viking Cruise but the Marksburg castle was my biggest highlight. I credit our Viking tour guide for making it so coolhe was fantastic!

He went at just right pace and was extremely knowledgeable about the castle, the land, and the time periods. After this experience I cant imagine walking through the castle without a guide or a less-knowledgeable one. But with his narrative and in those sorroundigns you can’t help but transport back in time and really imagine what it was like. This was by far the coolest castle I’ve ever visited.