Ratzlburg Castle

The defining part of the castle is an octagonal residential tower from the Staufer period. The residential tower has cavities that accommodated tie beams about 0.3 m wide; the wall thickness is 2.5 m. The walls are constructed using a two-shell technique; the inner and outer shells consist of travertine, and the space in between is filled with layers of large river pebbles in lime mortar. The lowest ring of tie beams rests on the foundation at the height of the original ground level. The tie beams are offset outwards from the center of the wall and are crossed at the building corners, so that they could distribute horizontal tensile and compressive forces over the entire circumference. Two meters higher is another such tie beam ring, which was indicated during conservation by the installation of three beam sections. A wooden floor was installed inside the residential tower. The existence and height of such a floor were archaeologically proven. To the southwest, a triangular annex adjoins, which may have served as a staircase. Northeast of the residential tower, a visitor rest area with benches and a table has been set up.