Blankenstein Castle in North Rhine-Westphalia by EuroTourData
Blankenstein Castle is the restored ruins of the spur castle, built around 1235 (not confirmed) to protect the Count of the Mark fiefs and as the toll castle on the Ruhr trade route.
Image copyright info
© Creative Commons: Burg Blankenstein (Hattingen) (4), author DiAuras. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped from original.
Blankenstein Castle history
Blankenstein castle was expanded and rebuilt until the first half of the 15th century. In 1494, all the inhabitants left the castle and the castle was uninhabited. In 1614, during the Eighty Years' War, the castle was occupied for many years by Spanish troops who raided the city of Bochum from the castle. During the Thirty Years' War, conquests led to further deterioration of the buildings. In 1662 the castle lost its military significance and many of the castle's fortifications were destroyed. Since September 23, 1922, the city of Bochum has been the owner of the castle.
Description of Blankenstein Castle
Blankenstein Castle has a horseshoe-shaped plan with a size of 90 x 70 meters and is surrounded by the remains of the enceinte. Square gate tower with the barbican, at the same time there is the keep has 9 meters wide with a wall thickness of about three and a half meters. Remains walls of the zwinger with round towers, probably date from the 14th century. Also, are two fortified towers on the south and east side of the castle. The castle currently contains a restaurant.
Source
The article Burg Blankenstein of German Wikipedia.