Burg Ramsberg

Burg Ramsberg stands on a ridge above Donzdorf in the Rehgebirge hills of Baden-Württemberg. Built around 1200, it is a spur castle with a courtyard and stables. The castle occupies one of two southern spurs; the other spur holds Burg Staufeneck. The site includes a medieval hall and a late-Gothic chapel. The hall’s ribbed vault dates from the 13th century and has no close parallel north of the Alps. The castle chapel, built in 1560, was restored after a fire in the 1960s and rededicated to Saint Martin. Between 1560 and 1580 the main stone house was added, giving the castle its present shape. The keep was demolished in 1830 after becoming unsafe. Visitors walk through the three-aisled hall with its nine bays and four octagonal pillars. The restored chapel shows late-Gothic rib vaults and a simple altar. The courtyard and stables still house horses. From the ridge there are wide views over the surrounding countryside.