Wachtenburg Castle

The origins of Wachtenburg date back to the 12th century, with its construction likely ordered by Conrad of Hohenstaufen. The first documented mention dates to 1257. In 1273, Rudolf of Habsburg acquired the castle as a dowry for his daughter. Later, in 1277, Count Palatine Rudolf I granted the castle as a sub-fief to Count Emich IV of Leiningen-Landeck. In 1375, the castle suffered damage during the war between the Count of Leiningen and the cities of Mainz, Worms, and Speyer. After a renovation, it passed to the Counts Palatine of Zweibrücken-Veldenz in 1410. Elector Friedrich I destroyed the castle in 1470 during an acquisition, after which it was only partially rebuilt. In the Palatinate War of Succession, French troops under General Melac blew up the keep in 1689, but half of it remained standing.