Hohenzollern, the millennial stronghold of the German emperors

Not far from Stuttgart, on the huge cliff of Hohenzollern, covered with a rare forest, reaching a height of more than 850 m, a surprisingly beautiful castle proudly rises, bearing the same name as the rock, which became its eternal pedestal.

Of impressive size, this stronghold, built at the end of the distant X century, throughout its history was repeatedly completed and partially rebuilt, absorbing along the lines of the era and the spirit of the times when this happened. The castle is an impregnable medieval fortress, a citadel of a glorious family that once ruled over all of Germany. It is like a bird of prey nest, built on top of a mountain, from where stunning views of the surrounding valleys, mountain ranges and the Baden-Württemberg slumbering at its foot open.

Despite the situation, which is so convenient for defense, the Hohenzollern Castle is surrounded on all sides by a powerful battlement, rebuilt in the middle of the XIX century, during the last reconstruction, but not for defense, but for beauty. In general, the castle retained its former medieval appearance, formed by the end of the 15th century, with its unique architectural style inherent in German architecture. All of its elements, which absorbed the splendor and romance of the Neo-Gothic, are in stunning contrast with medieval rigor, majesty and solemnity, especially with regard to its decorative towers and loopholes. The interior decoration of the castle is in no way inferior to the external, and bears the same imprint of centuries past. Rooms and lush halls are decorated with antique carved furniture, and the walls are hung with priceless tapestries, the age of which is slightly less than the age of the castle itself.

No less interesting are the sights and relics stored in the walls of the Hohenzollern castle, such as the personal belongings of Frederick II the Great - the warrior king, and the crown of William II - the last German emperor.