Altenbaumburg Castle

The exact construction date of Altenbaumburg Castle is not clearly documented. A mention of a “New Castle” in 1253, now known as Neubamberg, suggests that an Altenbaumburg must have already existed at that time. In the 14th century, the Raugrave family faced financial difficulties, reflected in multiple owners of the castle by 1317. Despite King Ludwig the Bavarian granting town rights to the valley settlement in 1320, the problems could not be resolved. From the mid-14th century, the Raugraves were forced to grant opening rights to the Counts Palatine of the Rhine and the Counts of Sponheim. This was followed by pledges, and by 1457, the Counts Palatine managed to acquire three-quarters of the castle, while the remaining quarter went to the House of Palatinate-Simmern. By the end of the 15th century, the first signs of decay appeared, and in 1482, stones from the castle were used for the reconstruction of Ebernburg Castle. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was occupied by Spanish and Swedish troops in 1621 and 1631. In 1666, it was conquered by Elector Karl I. Ludwig. Reconstruction did not occur, and by 1681, Altenbaumburg was already referred to as a ruin. Its final destruction took place in 1689 by French troops. Between 1980 and 1986, the ruin underwent renovation.