Today's Castle: Burg Eltz

Burg Eltz is in Germany's Moselle Valley, not far from Bonn. It assumed its current appearance in the 17th century, but substantial parts of it date back as far as the 12th century.

It has belonged to the Eltz family since 1157, and still does, after 33 generations. Of course historical monuments only remain intact over such long periods of time because nothing ever happened there, but you can't have everything.

Courtyard, where you can see construction that spans 500 years.

The interiors feature famous wall paintings from the 15th century.

As well as a vast array of Renaissance furniture like this bed, made around 1520.

The treasury includes some real wonders like "Gluttony being conveyed by Drunkenness", a 1557 masterpiece by the Nuremberg gold and silversmith Christoph Lindberger.

And "The Goddess of Hunting" by Joachim Friess, made around 1600:

It is a precious mechanical toy that was used as part of a drinking game. "Diana" moved along the table and had to be emptied wherever she stopped.

Seems like an amazing place to visit.

More at the castle web site.