CASTLE RUINS
CASTLE RUIN HARDENSTEIN
The late medieval castle complex was formerly owned by the von Hardenberg family, a noble family from the Bergisches Land.
Findings suggest that a castle already existed in the 13th century, but it was rebuilt several times between the 14th and 17th centuries. After this aristocratic residence was no longer inhabited, it began to decline in the 18th century.
Hardenstein Castle is connected to the Muttental mining trail and is an ideal destination for the whole family.
The "Hardenstein" passenger ferry has been operating near the ruin since April 2006. As the only ferry on the Ruhr, it is a special attraction in the Ruhr Valley's cycle path network.
I was in this wonderful place at lunchtime that day. I took a few photos and looked at the results on my computer in the afternoon. Well, I wasn't convinced by the photos of the Hardenstein ruins. So I hiked there again that late afternoon, to the ruins, into the beginning of dusk. I was lucky, a high altitude fog and a pastel-colored scene awaited me. All the photos were taken in this short period of time.
CASTLE DE SANTUERI
The Castell de Santueri is the ruin( 4.26 ha) of a rock castle on the 423 m high table mountain Puig de Santueri in the mountains of the East, the Serres de Llevant in the municipality Felanitx on Mallorca / Spain. It is located about seven kilometers southeast of Felanitx.
Already in Roman times (after 123 v. Chr.) A fortress was built on the ridge. After the conquest of Mallorca by the Emirate of Córdoba (902 AD), the mountain top was also secured with a fortress. The garrison of the fortress made in the conquest of Mallorca (Reconquista) from 1229 by James I of Aragon resistance for a year before it fell and was almost completely demolished.
In the 14th century, a new fortress was built by the Spanish crown on the remains of a previous hill fort. a. the protection against attacks by pirates served. Since the 18th century, the fortress fell into decay. The fortress built of white limestone contains numerous extensive parts such as perimeter walls and towers.
From the Castle you can enjoy large and magnificent views of Mallorca and if the weather permits, you can see the island of Carbrera and even glimpse Menorca.
On my vacation in Spain in 2018, I was with my siblings and their children on this castle complex. As always on family holiday, I only had my little pocket camera with me, and the weather changed every minute. I made the best of this situation. Brave little pocket camera.
