Prince Elector’s Castle

The former Prince Elector’s castle in Coblence stands on the banks of the Mosel, beside the Mosel bridge. The three-story building with its high hipped roof, two circular towers facing the river and hexagonal stair turret on the town side is the result of several construction phases.

After the takeover of Coblence by the Electorate of Treves, Archbishop Heinrich von Vinstingen began to reconstruc an older castle and the town wall in 1276. The remains of a Roman fortification serve as the foundation for the river side of the castle. An arched string course above the second floor marks the height of the original building.

The east tower was increased in height at the beginning of the 15th century and was converted into a chapel. The bridge gate and the formerly freestanding west tower also belong to this period. Pairs of Renaissance-style rectangular windows with mussel-filled pediment crowns and an ornamented portal were added during the second half of the 16th century. During the last extension phase between 1680 and 1682, the western extension was added to the façade on the town side, and the building was re-roofed. An interesting feature of the castle interiors is the stuccoed ceilings which also date back to this last construction phase. Today, the building functions as the local library and town archive.

Information in brief

D-56068 Koblenz

Owner:
City of Coblence

The staircase can be seen when the town archive is open: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 14.00-17.00.

How to get there:
Situated on the edge of the old town. Parking is available on the riverbank of the Mosel.

Sub-Navigation:

Navigation: