Lichtenberg Castle

Thallichtenberg, Germany, Slovenia

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Lichtenberg Castle is Germany's largest castle ruin by area, located near Thallichtenberg in Rhineland-Palatinate, with no direct connection to Slovenia despite the query's mention.

Built around 1200 by the Counts of Veldenz despite disputes over monastery land, it expanded into upper and lower sections by the 14th century, serving as an administrative center for Pfalz-Zweibrücken after 1444 until French occupation in 1681 damaged it severely.

Fires, wartime use, and quarrying reduced it to remnants like walls, a gatehouse, chapel, and tithe barn by the 19th century, now a protected site with cultural events atop its spur.