Cochem 13/5/15

For our last day we chose to visit Cochem's Castle. Cochem is one of many Mosel Valley towns known for its charm. A strenuous uphill walk was necessary. Views from the castle's verandas were straight down 300 feet to the river. After the castle tour we chose a fine pastry shop,Flair, to have lunch before returning to Koblenz. Seating in perfect sunlight, we enjoyed bear, wine, bean soup with bread and a chocolate strawberry cream puff. We walked fast to get the 1218 express back to Koblenz. Here is Joan's description of the castle.

Cochem's Castle is the landmark of this small town and the beautiful Moselle valley. This castle like most was built on a high hill for the purpose of defense. On three sides the enemy had to climb steep hills on the fourth side there are four gates the enemy had to get through. The castle was built in 1000A.D by the Franconian Palatine counts. In 1151 it was seized by the German emperor. It was given to the archbishop of Trier in 1294. In 1689 it was destroyed by the French. It was restored by a rich Berlin merchant 200 years later. In 1942 the owners were forced to sell it to the Reich. Since 1978 it has belonged to the town of Cochem.

We arrived in time for the first tour of the castle. It has been well cared for both inside and out. They have some of the original furnishings. One room has Gothic arches and another has Romanesque crossed arches. The hunting room displayed the heads of animals and tankards used by the monks for their daily consumption of wine which was 11/4 gallons. Secret panels with inside staircases leading to bedrooms above, can you guess the purpose. Spiral staircases that wind the wrong way so aggressors could not use their swords in their right hands. It was a fascinating tour. Though our tour guide spoke in German, she was kind enough to include shorten English descriptions. She told us that in January, she had visited Santa Cruz in California. Small world!

 

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