Bertradaburg
| Bertradaburg | |
|---|---|
 Bertradaburg, aerial photo (2015) |
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| Alternative name (s): | Mürlenbach Castle |
| Creation time : | early Middle Ages, first mentioned in the 13th century |
| Castle type : | Höhenburg, spur location |
| Conservation status: | Residential tower (double tower gate) |
| Place: | Mürlenbach |
| Geographical location | 50 ° 8 '57.8 " N , 6 ° 35' 55.2" E |
| Height: | 348 m above sea level NN |
The Bertradaburg is the ruin of a hilltop castle at 348 m above sea level. NN high rock spur above the local community Mürlenbach in the Vulkaneifel district in Rhineland-Palatinate . It lies in the geographical center of the Merovingian Franconian Empire .
history
The castle was built on the remains of a Roman fort , which presumably served to protect the Roman road from Trier to Cologne . According to local tradition, Bertrada , the mother of Charlemagne, lived in the castle , which suggests that he was born around 747. The existence of the castle is only documented in the 13th century as a state fortress of the prince abbey of Prüm (compare the Middle Rhine document book ), but archaeological evidence suggests that the castle complex was built earlier .
After the Prüm Monastery was occupied and damaged by the French revolutionary troops from 1794 to 1802 , Mürlenbach Castle came into private ownership as a result of secularization and was auctioned off.
At the end of the 20th century, the still-preserved castle walls and buildings were restored by the Tiepelmann family and, above all, the state-owned 30-meter-high, ruinous double tower gate was restored through state funds. In 2009, the new owners were granted subsidies from the budgets of the federal government and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate to secure and repair the five-meter-thick south-west roundabout from the 16th century. The shield wall, which dates back to the 13th century, was also renovated with funds from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Description and current use
The 30 meter high residential tower , the double tower gate of the Betradaburg, can be seen from afar, offers a wonderful view of the landscape and can be visited as part of regular guided tours. The Mürlenbach Castle Festival takes place every year in the castle courtyard. The castle is privately owned and offers holiday apartments that are currently being renovated.
