Collage of pictures Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia PA Covered bridge in St. Johann Austria Jeepney in jeepney factory in the Phillipines Brussels Belgium Angra, Portugal (Azores Islands) Windmill west of Amsterdam Vianden Luxembourg Pompeii, Italy with Mt Vesuvius Neuschwanstein (King Ludwig's Castle)
Burg Eltz , Germany
We have visited Burg Eltz on various occasions and are still awe struck of its medieval beauty. It is our second favorite castle thus far. This picture of us was taken in December 2003 on my second visit to Germany. This castle is unique from all other castles since it is very well hidden down in the valley. It is located on the north bank of the Mosel River and surrounded by woodlands.
 
Cindy and Brian are in front of the sign post for the entrance to Burg Eltz. We walked down a very long wooded path before reaching the castle gate. Burg Eltz means castle on the stream. Its original structure was built in the 12th century to evidently protect a trade route. It is one of the few medieval castles that has remained intact despite many battles in the region. This is thought to be due to the Eltz family's political and social influences.
 
Believe it or not, Burg Eltz has been the private property of the Eltz family for almost 1000 years and has never been destroyed. Over time, it was inhabited by three separate branches of the Eltz family (The Rubenach House, The Rodendorf House, and The Kempenich House). Today, it is owned by Count Karl of the Golden Lion branch of the Eltz family.
 
   
The interior of the castle is a remarkable display of beautiful wall-hanging tapestries and paintings. It also houses a neat collection of jewelry, porcelains, and weapons.