Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
| Pfalzgrafenstein Castle | |
|---|---|
Burg Pfalzgrafenstein | |
| Kaub, Germany | |
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle seen from the bank of the Rhine | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Toll castle, Island castle |
| Controlled by | State of Rhineland-Palatinate |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Preserved |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 50°04′59″N 7°45′57″E / 50.08306°N 7.76583°E |
| Height | 36 metres |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1326/27 |
| Built by | King Ludwig of Bavaria |
| Battles/wars | War of the Succession of Landshut Thirty Years' War |
| Garrison information | |
| Garrison | 17th/18th century: 20 – 54 men |
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle (German: Burg Pfalzgrafenstein), also known as the Pfalz, is a toll castle situated on Falkenau island in the Rhine River, adjacent to Kaub, Germany. First established in 1326/27 by King Ludwig IV of Bavaria, it served to collect river tolls from passing traffic. In 1504 it withstood a 39 day siege in the War of the Succession of Landshut unscathed and was occupied by Spanish forces for 11 years from 1620 in the Thirty Year's War. The castle has undergone various modifications since its original construction, most notably with greater fortifications in 1607 and a baroque tower cap added in 1714. Pfalzgrafenstein Castle was used as a key point for Prussian and Russian forces to cross the Rhine in 1814, during the campaign against Napoleon. Toll collection ceased in 1867, but the castle has remained in good condition and is now preserved as a public museum.
The area is part of the Rhine Gorge, which was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in June 2002.