Most were built (initially) by bandits and robber barons to overlook key points in the Rhine where they can intercept shipping and exact tolls. Eventually these forts developed into bigger and bigger castles (from those tolls and rents on near by lands) and the bandits became knights and counts and more.
Fast forward some five hundred years and these long landed nobles want to improve their military fortifications into extravagant palaces and we end up with amazing towers of stone rising above the waters below. But if you looks you can still see the elements that once extorted tolls upon those cruising past.
Zordack says
Credit to the photographer (@philip.koehler)
KSVDRD says
Beautiful!
Kiyohara says
I love the Rhine Castles.
Most were built (initially) by bandits and robber barons to overlook key points in the Rhine where they can intercept shipping and exact tolls. Eventually these forts developed into bigger and bigger castles (from those tolls and rents on near by lands) and the bandits became knights and counts and more.
Fast forward some five hundred years and these long landed nobles want to improve their military fortifications into extravagant palaces and we end up with amazing towers of stone rising above the waters below. But if you looks you can still see the elements that once extorted tolls upon those cruising past.
vimaers says
That looks well defendable
travelingmagicman says
Did you take this? Are you still there?