Don't Save a Few Bucks by Skipping Cochem Castle!

💬 While planning a trip to Cochem, I came across several travelogues where visitors decided against entering the castle, opting only to wander the town and admire the castle's exterior. It's already an off-the-beaten-path destination, and even fewer people go inside... But we just couldn't resist entering such a beautiful castle. It turns out: if you visit Cochem and don't go inside the Imperial Castle, you will 100% regret it! Reasons to visit the castle: The interior is more splendid and beautiful than Burg Eltz Photography is allowed inside 📖 Castle History The Imperial Castle stands on a hill about 330 feet above the Moselle River in Cochem. The castle was built around the year 1000 and was the residence of Count Palatine Ezzo. The castle was first documented in 1051 when Ezzo's eldest daughter, the former Polish queen Richeza, gave the castle to her nephew Henry I. The castle was destroyed by the French army in 1689 and lay in ruins for centuries until it was purchased at a very low price in 1868 by a wealthy Berliner, Louis Ravene, who restored it to the magnificent castle you see today. 💛 Castle Exterior On the way up the hill, you can see the gilded mosaic from afar on the tower. Upon arrival, you'll find a depiction of a man leaning on a stick in the river, with a child on his shoulders. According to Christian medieval legend, this should be Jesus disguised as a child, being carried across the river by Saint Christopher. 🏰 Castle Interior The castle's interior includes: residential quarters, a small chapel, towers, bridges, wells, fortifications, and a casino. You can visit these rooms. The rooms are richly decorated, reflecting the evolution of design tastes and styles over the past 1000 years. Most of the Renaissance and Baroque furniture from the Ravene family's collection has been preserved to this day. After parking your car, you'll first pass a series of pastel-colored restaurants along the river, each with an outdoor dining area. I only ordered ice cream for lunch. But it must be said, Cochem is indeed a dreamy town. The crisscrossing narrow alleys, and that extraordinary castle precariously perched on the rock, offer new stunning perspectives wherever you go, perfect for stopping to admire and take photos. 🐶 Pets are allowed; just keep them on a leash. #BestPlacesInGermany #Germany #Castle #GermanCastleRecommendations #Cochem