Sparrenburg

Built between 1240-1250 by Graf Ludwig von Ravensberg The Sparrenburg dominates the Bielefeld skyline, guarding the Bielefeld Pass. It's name derives from the Sparren (which I think means chevron, but I'll check with the local Teutonic Knights) on the Ravensberg coat of arms.
The castle withstood various sieges including one in 1631 with much of the castle reduced to rubble.
It was used as a prison from1743 until it burnt down in1877; having already served as a "quarry" in 1775 during the building of the "55er Barracks", it's fate was sealed.
The City of Bielefeld purchased the ruins in 1879 for 8,934.90 Goldmarks; work began in earnest.
Kaiser Wilhelm II visited the site often including unveiling the statue of Grand Duke Friedrich Wilhelm.
The Allies in 1944, mindful no doubt, of it's considerable strategic and military importance! reduced it once more to rubble.
Restoration began in 1948 continuing sporadically until 1995 and then again in 2007 until the present.
Famous guests include 1377 Kaiser Karl (nice name) IV and 1697 Czar Peter the Great; founder of beautiful St.Petersberg (hotel staff drunk , no hot water) where there is now a damn Mcdonalds just off the Nevsky Prospekt- who stayed here on his way to The Netherlands.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Sparrenburg
• Burg
• Castle
• Fortress
• Festung

[devonlongbow]

Whilst I realise the quality is truly awful ( I hopped most of the time) I thought on account of it's very steep location it might nevertheless be of interest to people confined to wheelchairs or to those ordinarily adventuruous but frightened of falling rocks and beer tins. The narrative is so the blind might also experience the wonders of medieval fortifications. Braille version to follow.