Burg Alzenau

Alzenau, Germany

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Burg Alzenau is a late 14th-century hill castle located in Alzenau, Bavaria, Germany, built between 1395 and 1399 by the Archbishops of Mainz to protect their holdings along the river Kahl. The castle was constructed in a late Gothic style and served as an administrative seat and defensive stronghold, overseeing the surrounding region.

The nearby settlement below the castle was granted town and market rights in 1401 but did not fully develop into a town until later, eventually adopting the castle's name after the destruction of the older village of Wilmundsheim on the opposite riverbank. Throughout its history, Burg Alzenau was involved in regional conflicts, changing ownership and occasionally serving as a pawn during feuds.

The castle survived a Swedish siege during the Thirty Years' War in 1634 and later became a judicial center under Bavarian rule. Today, the well-preserved castle hosts cultural events, including summer festivals and concerts, and visitors can explore its historic architecture featuring thick walls, a large courtyard, and a late Gothic knight's hall with detailed interiors, reflecting its significance as a symbol of regional heritage.