Photo: castles, fortresses and palaces, Wülzburg Castle in Weißenburg , Bavaria

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Wülzburg Castle in Weißenburg - the Place of Imprisonment of Charles de Gaulle

Castles, Fortresses and Palaces

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Wülzburg Castle is located on the hill called Weißenburger Alb. It is part of South Franconian Alb -a mountain chain, stretching through Franconia. The hill is called Wülzburg and the castle got the same name. There was a Benedictine Monastery at the place of the present Wülzburg Castle since the XI century. Then it was expropriated for the military and then for the prison needs. The construction of the powerful buildings on the site of the monastery began at the end of the XVI century. Obviously, for this reason, the building is clearly in the Renaissance style. It’s enough to look at the main entrance, decorated with an elegant portico and at the arcade inside. However, the more recent architectural styles were added then.

The castle repeatedly appeared in the center of military actions during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1638) and other conflicts. From the second half of the XVII century to the XIX, there was a prison here for thieves, robbers and other criminals from Franconia. During the First World War young officer Charles de Gaulle was among prisoners of the re-established military prison camp Wülzburg. He twice tried to escape from the castle, but failed. There is a memorial plaque here in memory of the forced stay of de Gaulle. The restoration work is continu at the castle till now. But it is still worth a visit. Spectacular views open from here, from the height of one of the spurs of the South Franconian Alb.

Wülzburg Castle in Weißenburg - the Place of Imprisonment of Charles de Gaulle

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