Burghausen

After a good night's sleep I can tell you about this amazing castle we saw yesterday.

Burghausen was first mentioned in 1025. This castle in the longest in all of Europe with a length of over 1,000 meters. It has six courtyards in all and one AMAZING view. Each courtyard was constructed seperately during various times and each had it's own moat and draw bridge leading to the next courtyard. To this day there are people that live within the various houses of the 6 courtyards.

This castle sits on the German/Austrian border on the Salzach river. This is the famous castle that was home to George the Rich and his bride Hedwig. The family line died out with the death of George the Rich and Hedwig's daughter and that is how the castle came into the hands of State of Bavaria. In 1800 Napolean ordered demoltion of the northermost out part of the wall. Also from 1763-1890 this castle was used as an Army Barracks for the Bavarian Army.

You can read more about the history of Burgahusen

HERE

As promised here are some pictures from our day yesterday...

These are pictures of the 6th courtyard. This area was destroyed by Napeloan in 1800-1801. When Napeloan tore down this outer most wall sections of the courtyard were sold off to the locals. There are some pieces still left of the old courtyard but what is so interesting is people to this day still live in these houses in this courtyard.



THE FIFTH COURTYARD
Hedwig's Chapel



THE FOURTH COURTYARD
In the fourth courtyard there is a family that still lives to this day and even has a beautiful garden.






THE THIRD COURTYARD


The gate leading to the third courtyard...


This is the old arsenal that housed all the weapons for the castle.


Across from the arsenal are the Pepper Cannons. These three building housed cannons that were used to protect the castle.



SECOND COURTYARD

George's Gate is was special barrier for the second and first courtyard. There is a coat or arms on the George's Gate that represents the alliance between George of Bavaria and Hedwig of Poland.



Over to the left of this picture you see a cafe. This is where the old bakery and brewery use to stand.


THE FIRST COURTYARD
Gate leading into the first courtyard





I wasn't able to take any pictures of the inside of the castle since it wasn't allowed. However, the best part of the castle was the AMAZING views of Austria and Germany.





More pics from the day..