Home

Eltz

Eltz most commonly refers to Burg Eltz, a well-preserved medieval castle in western Germany. Located in the Rhineland-Palatinate region, the castle sits on a wooded hillside above the Elzbach, near the town of Wierschem, between Koblenz and Trier. The site is noted for its picturesque setting and its state of preservation, offering a rare glimpse into a working medieval residence.

History and heritage

Construction of Burg Eltz began in the 12th century and continued through subsequent centuries as the complex

Architecture

The castle comprises multiple connected buildings arranged along a hillside, featuring defensive elements such as towers,

Current status

Today Burg Eltz remains associated with the House of Eltz and is a major cultural and tourist

was
expanded
and
adapted.
The
castle
was
built
and
owned
by
the
Eltz
family,
a
German
noble
lineage
that
maintained
control
over
the
property
for
many
generations.
Across
its
long
history,
Burg
Eltz
escaped
major
destruction
and
remained
in
the
possession
of
the
Eltz
family,
passing
through
various
branches.
The
result
is
a
cohesive
complex
that
reflects
medieval
fortification
as
well
as
later
residential
improvements.
gates,
and
enclosed
courtyards.
Its
interiors
preserve
a
mix
of
medieval
and
early
modern
decoration,
including
period
furniture,
tapestries,
arms,
and
other
artifacts.
The
architecture
embodies
a
blend
of
Romanesque
foundations
with
Gothic
and
Renaissance
influences,
illustrating
the
evolution
of
a
noble
residence
over
several
centuries.
site.
Large
portions
of
the
castle
are
open
to
visitors,
who
can
tour
the
interiors
and
learn
about
the
family’s
history
and
the
preservation
of
the
estate.
Burg
Eltz
is
widely
regarded
as
one
of
Germany’s
most
iconic
examples
of
a
preserved
medieval
residence.