Archaeologists working at Neuenburg Castle in central Germany have discovered the remains of one of the original towers that guarded the main gate of the fortress. They were surprised to find that this tower, built around 1100, was octagonal.
Neuenburg Castle was built by Count Ludwig der Springer of Thuringia at the end of the 11th century and expanded in the 13th century. Today, it is one of the largest castles in Germany and is considered a cultural monument of national importance.
Starting in 2022, the Saxony-Anhalt State Department for Heritage Management and Archeology will carry out archaeological research at Neuenburg Castle, which overlooks the town of Freiburg. Their study focused on an area of 11,500 square meters of outer bay. Germany’s largest outer bay.
Archaeologists investigated the area where the large stone was discovered several years ago and matched it with a site known as the “Old Tower” on three maps from the 19th and 20th centuries. Their excavations uncovered the remains of an octagonal building with a diameter of 10 meters and walls 1.7 meters thick. The tower was still intact at 2.2 meters high, but it was probably taller originally. Archaeologists also found traces of floors and stairs.
Another similar tower is recorded about 50 meters to the south. Both belonged to the fortification system from the first construction phase of the castle and were important defensive elements. A castle wall made of limestone gravel, an inner ring wall, and an outer wall parallel to each other at a distance of about 6 to 8 meters were built at about the same time. In front of this, a trench about 10 meters deep was built. This part of the fortress, with its two octagonal towers, must have been an impressive sight.
The octagonal shape of the tower was very unusual in 11th century Germany. Considered an innovation in castle construction, it was not regularly used until the late 12th century until his 13th century, especially during the reign of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II (1220-1250). Researchers speculate that the builders may have taken inspiration from the towers along the walls of Constantinople.
The state government of Saxony-Anhalt is carrying out archaeological surveys ahead of new renovations to the castle, including the construction of new workshops and administrative buildings, as well as a barrier-free entrance to the outer castle. Click here for Neuenburg Castle website.
