Osterspai Castle

The origins of Burg Osterspai likely date back to the first half or middle of the 14th century, with its first documented mention occurring around 1400. In 1434, Philipp von Liebenstein secured exclusive use of the castle and the village of Osterspai. Osterspai was an imperial immediacy territory, directly subordinate to the emperor. In 1636, the lordship passed to the Barons von Waldenburg, known as Schenker, before the Imperial Barons von Preuschen von und zu Liebenstein took over local rule in 1792. Although the castle was still fully preserved in 1673, only the massive residential tower and the chapel remain today. In the early 20th century, the tower was extended with a half-timbered addition. Since 2002, Burg Osterspai has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley.