Burg Eltz was so named in 1147 by the river that meanders around 3 sides of this castle. It has been in the same family for 850 years and, at one point, was inhabited by three brothers Eltz and their families. It has never been destroyed or conquered even while being on an important trade route. Being built on a rock, it could not be expanded in width and breadth so the upward build was necessary. As the brothers died or decided to move away, the remaining brother purchased their share of the castle. Today, the family remains the owners and the restoration process cost is handled by the Count and Countess Eltz with some assistance from the German Government and private donors. The Countess, for over 40 years, lived in the castle and weekly decorated each room with a large bouquet of flowers from her garden. Now, at 97, she leaves this task to a local florist. You can’t take photos inside the castle but it is unique in its history and livability. Enjoy Burg Eltz in the Mosel area near Koblenz.
 |
| Center Courtyard |
 |
| Lower windows have iron bars with uppers having wooden shutters. |
 |
| Walk into the castle |
 |
| Alcoves jutting out from the main structure are usually chapels as no MAN could be above God. |
 |
| The little Eltz river to the right with a riverside walking path that crosses the river and into the woods beyond. |
 |
| See the dragon? |
 |
| The 'S' hooks in the walls act as braces to keep the walls even and together with the interior. |
 |
| Built on a rock |
 |
Family Crest: Eltz Kempenich (Eltz of the golden lion)
|
And our drive to Kreuztal to Henning and Kirsten Kierstein's home on Zum Wiesenfleck. Again, saw a Polizei sign and tried our luck at having someone manning the station. A good looking blonde, blue-eyed policeman let us in through his remote security door and was very helpful. He was surrounded by three large computer monitors and in his English/German with drawings, he gave us great directions right to the house! We brought in our luggage, explored the house and went to the Lidl for groceries.
Dinner found us at Ducato's at the bottom of the hill from our home-away-from-home and we ordered schnitzel with mushroom sauce and mine was a salsa topping. There was so much food that we brought home one of the schnitzel for the next day's meal.
So nice to be in one location for a few days. The next two days will be DOWN DAYS as we do laundry, do a real grocery shop, catch up on our blogging and our sleep. I'll like not having to drive. I don't mind driving but enjoying the scenery on an autobahn while traveling 90-100 mph is not something I can do. And pictures of anything while commuting is out of the question.
Off to bed!
Comments
Post a Comment