Burg Eltz Castle, Germany

The Burg Eltz is a medieval castle located on the hill above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier, Germany. The castle's construction date is unknown but it was probably built before the year 1157 when it was first mentioned. In 1268 the family zu Eltz divided on the three separate branches and the Burg Eltz and property of the family was divided as well. The Burg Eltz became a Ganerbenburg or the castle of joint heirs.



During the next centuries the Burg Eltz was rebuilt and modified several times but parts of the 12th century structure are still well preserved. The castle was never seized or damaged until 1920 when fire destroyed a part of the structure but the damage was later repaired and the castle was reconstructed in its original appearance. The Burg Eltz is still in private possession of the family the counts von und zu Eltz but the Rübenach and Rodendorf families' homes in the castle are open for the public, while the third part of the castle is still used as a residence of the Kempenich branch of the family.