![]() ![]() While the keep was the residence of the Lord in charge, the bailey was the home of the rest of the Lord’s entourage that also needed protection. As opposed to early motte-and-bailey castles, where the bailey was normally surrounded by a wooden palisade, stone castles were protected by a thick stone wall, wrapping around the entire castle, and enclosing both the Keep and the Bailey. The bailey was a fortified enclosure containing the castle’s domestic buildings. ![]() Radiating out from it, we would find many other buildings and further fortifications. The keep was the heart of any stone castle and usually the first part to be built. In addition, stone keeps were usually tall enough to make scaling with ladders or movable wooden scaffolding difficult, while providing an excellent viewpoint for archers shooting at attacking raiders.Īttribution: By Selbymay (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons The sheer thickness of the stone walls served as protection against siege engines such as catapults or trebuchets. In later medieval times, Castles began to transform into sumptuous buildings, and nobles began to live in more luxurious chambers, with the keep used exclusively as a stronghold.īesides providing accommodation for the lords of the castle, the keep was also the last line of defense. They included grand fireplaces for heat and for comfort, larger and more comfortable rooms and better protection from the rain and cold. Stone buildings provided much more luxurious accommodation compared to the earlier wooden towers. The keep was the residence of the lord who owned the castle and his family, but it could also be used by his guests or representatives. The great innovation of stone castles was the replacement of the wooden tower of the earlier motte-and-bailey castle with a taller and stronger tower rendered in stone. The keep was the heart of every medieval castle and the most strongly defended point before the introduction of concentric defense. Most medieval castles did share some common features, so let’s take a look at some of the most important aspects of stone castle construction. Some castles were designed to culture an air of luxury and grandeur, while others were built for purely militaristic pursuits, with strong walls that could be easily defended and provide shelter for the local population. What did a typical Medieval Castle look like?įirst, we must understand that no two stone castles had the same layout, and every castle’s design largely depended upon the local landscape, skills, resources and the purpose and function of each castle. They embody the romantic ideal of chivalry, of epic battles, of loyalty and personal sacrifice to crown and country. Castles are some of the most popular historic sites on Earth, and together with the great cathedrals are one of the most evocative features of the Medieval Age in Europe.Ĭastles exert a powerful hold on our imagination. ![]() The Agency is also responsible for Cēsis History and Art Museum, the Tourism Development and Information Centre and Cesis Cultural Centre.Mention the Middle Ages and most people immediately visualize a great stone castle, surrounded by a sturdy moat, and protected by Knights on horseback and legions of spearmen. Since 2004 the castle complex had been managed by the municipality’sagency “Cēsis Culture and Tourism Centre”, whose mission is to preserve and develop Cēsis castle complex and integrate it in to an active tourism business. In its turn, the castle manor complex dominated by the manor house together with May and Castle Park manifests the Romanticism movement of the 18th and 19th century. In the middle Ages it was one of the most important footholds for the Teutonic Order in the Baltics, but nowadays – most impressive and well preserved castle ruins in Latvia. Right next to Riekstu Hill the castle built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword and the Teutonic order is located. One of the most mysterious monuments of pre-crusader times is Riekstu Hill, a ancient hillfort once inhabited by Vendi tribe – the cradle of present day Cēsis. The castle complex is located in the very centre of the city, where in a small area a number of uniquely different historical areas intertwine. More than ten centuries of Latvian cultural history meets here, each with its own time, aura and message for today and the future. The castle complex with its historically romantic environment is a special fascination for both Cēsis people and visitors to the town. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |