It towers over Thuringian Eisenach almost majestically -- Wartburg Fortress. With its almost thousand years of history, it is one of the best-known and most popular fortresses in Germany and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The Palas (Great Hall) dating from the 12th century still bears witness today to the former glory of the Landgrave's residence, where all the fine arts were cultivated, where songs of Walther von der Vogelweide were sung and poems of Wolfram von Eschenbach written. The fabled Battle of the Bards tells the tale and was made world-famous in Richard Wagner's opera „Tannhäuser". But Wartburg Fortress was also the place were Saint Elisabeth, who is still revered today, lived and worked and it was here that Martin Luther was exiled and translated the New Testament. So Wartburg Fortress was the venue of all these highlights of German history -- it was a strong fortification, magnificent residence and home for its dwellers from past centuries. This fortress was never forgotten but it was not renovated and given a romantic touch until the 19th century. Its medieval fabric was restored and, at Goethe's recommendation 200 years ago, an art collection with treasures dating from eight centuries was set up.
During a guided tour of the rooms in the Wartburg, you will meet with history, culture and art at every step and turn. But the Wartburg Fortress has not lost its friendly hospitality either -- today the „Hotel auf der Wartburg" welcomes visitors taking no more than a short break as well as guests wanting to enjoy the world of Thuringian specialities in the romantic restaurants or to be pampered in the 35 attractive bedrooms or even wanting to marry in the unique setting of the famous fortress.
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