Schönburg Castle

Construction of Schönburg Castle began in the first half of the 12th century, though the exact patron, whether the Archbishop of Magdeburg or an imperial castle, remains unclear. It was first documented in 1149 as a fief of Hermann von Stahleck, who had his rival Otto II of Rheineck murdered here. In the 14th century, the castle passed to Kurtrier. The Knights of Schonenberg, who served as imperial ministerials, adapted to the feudal lords. From the mid-13th century, the family branched out, and the castle evolved into a Ganerbenburg with three separate living areas and three keeps. This division is still recognizable today. During the War of the Palatine Succession in 1689, Schönburg Castle was destroyed by French troops. After the death of the last Schönburger in 1719, the ruins reverted to Kurtrier. The German-American T. I.