WHAT IS THE STORY OF PFALTZGRAFENSTEIN CASTLE?
Pfalz Island is located in the middle of the River Rhine near Kaub, Germany, and that's where you'll see Pfalzgrafenstein Castle! It was built to collect revenue from boats traveling along the river. The story starts with a feud and forbidden love.
Sometime in the 1400s, the castle only consisted of one tower. According to Great Castles dot com, because of an ongoing feud, Cousins Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa and Duke Henry, the Lion of Brunswick, were enemies.
Love knows no bounds. The Count's daughter Agnes was attracted to young Henry, the son of Henry the Lion. Of course, her dad (the Count) was enraged his daughter wanted to marry his enemy's cousin.
The Count's wife, however, supported their daughter. So, the Count locked his wife and Agnes in the tower on the island.
One moonlit night, a ferryman rowed Henry to the island. Agnes was overjoyed to see Henry and fell into his arms. The mother witnessed their happiness and, consequently, provided her blessing. A few nights later, the ferryman transported a priest to the island, and young Henry and Agnes were married.
Nine days later, the Count came to the island to meet his wife and was shocked to learn of Agnes and Henry's marriage. Agnes explained he had not only gained a son-in-law but a grandchild as well. Upon hearing the news, the count was speechless.
Upon learning of the marriage, the Emperor (Henry's dad) was ecstatic and insisted on becoming the child's godfather. A huge celebration was held at Burg Stahleck as everyone rejoiced.
The key to the happy ending was the Island Tower, which enabled the marriage and subsequent birth of the count's grandchild, which ultimately reunited the families.
In the old tower of Pfalzgrafenstein, you can visit the room where the child's cradle once stood.
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