New ideas within old walls: Germany’s castles and palaces are not only relics of a great time, but also represent ideas that have had a powerful impact on the world. Here history is fulfilled in many ways.
Place of democracy: Hambach Castle
The black, red and gold flag was once a symbol of the struggle for democracy, freedom, international peace and national unity. He first appeared at the magnificent Hambach Castle on the German Wine Route. At the “Hambacher Fest” in May 1832, about 30,000 people marched to the Schlossberg, demanding freedom and popular sovereignty and raised the black, red and gold flag to the highest peak of the tower. In doing so, they laid important foundations for the development of German democracy. The permanent exhibition at Hambach Castle continues to answer questions about this topic today with interesting media and event channels for all ages – and the original flag can also be seen.
The foundation of a successful concept: the world’s first youth hostel
Altena Castle is located in a beautiful location above the town of the same name in North Rhine-Westphalia – one of the most beautiful hill castles in Germany. The castle is very important as the beginning of a world concept: in 1914, the world’s first youth hostel was established. About twenty years later, the hostel moved to the lower courtyard, where guests still stay today at a low price. The original rooms of the former youth hostel – including the kitchen – can be seen when you take the tourist lift: It travels 60 meters up the cliff and gives visitors an insight into the 900 years of history of the castle at the stations six.
Cecilienhof Palace: a symbol of the end of the Second World War
The assembly of English country house style buildings seems beautiful and quiet, however one of the most important events in the history of the 20th century took place here: In the summer of 1945, weeks’ shortly after the end of the Second World War. The victorious powers gathered at the Cecilienhof Palace near Potsdam – American President Harry S. Truman, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee and Soviet head of state Joseph Stalin. The Potsdam Conference marks the end of the Second World War and at the same time the beginning of the Cold War between the East and the West. The old German border forts located nearby are an indirect part of the fort’s history. With many historical photographs, visitors to the main site get a wealth of information about the Potsdam Conference.
Poster designers: Thurn und Taxis family
The palace of Thurn and Taxis Castle, located at the southern end of the old city of Regensburg, was not always an elegant residence: the family lived only in the old Benedictine monastery of St. Emmeram since the 19th century. But until then, Thurn und Taxis had a big impact for a long time: they are considered the inventors of the postal service. The beginning was marked by the courier service that the dei Tasso family ran for the Republic of Venice and later for the papacy. From 1490 onwards, Francesco de Tasso – Franz von Taxis in German – developed the European postal system on behalf of the emperor and von Taxis owned the courier monopoly until Prussia took over postal rights in 1867. Today the family – including the two Royal Princesses – come to Emmeram Castle for events such as summer concerts or the Christmas market.
