Life in a Medieval Castle: Burg Eltz
Burg Eltz castle has been inhabited by the same family for over 800 years, making them the perfect people to ask about life in a fairytale castle. The castle, located in a wooded valley, is a 15-minute walk from the closest town and offers a peaceful and quiet environment.
History and Features
- Burg Eltz was built between the 11th and 13th centuries and features a unique design that prioritizes looks over defense.
- The castle has over 100 rooms, 40 fireplaces, and 1.5-meter thick walls, making it a grand home rather than a medieval fortress.
- The castle’s location near the Moselle River, a historically important trade route, contributed to its significance.
Modern Life in the Castle
Count Jakob von and zu Eltz, the current owner, shares his experience of living in the castle, stating that it’s “special” but not necessarily luxurious. He highlights the challenges of modern life in the castle, including heating and upkeep.
- The castle requires constant renovation and repair, making it reliant on tourist income and government support.
- Despite the challenges, Count Jakob enjoys the peaceful atmosphere and sense of belonging in the castle.
- He leads a modern life, cooking his own meals and working from home, making his daily life similar to others.
Insights and Impressions
Visitors to the castle share their impressions, with some finding it idyllic and others concerned about the practicalities of living in a remote, medieval castle.
- The castle’s seclusion and lack of modern amenities might make it difficult for some to imagine living there.
- However, the castle’s unique features, such as its tapestries, fireplaces, and historic kitchen, make it a fascinating and beautiful place to explore.
Conclusion
Life in a medieval castle like Burg Eltz is not without its challenges, but it offers a unique and special experience. While it may not be the fairytale lifestyle one might expect, it has a certain flair and charm that makes it worth exploring.
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Medieval | Relating to the Middle Ages, which lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. | Burg Eltz is a medieval castle that has been inhabited by the same family for over 800 years. |
| Fairytale | A story, typically for children, about magical or imaginary events. | Living in Burg Eltz might seem like a fairytale, but it comes with its own set of challenges. |
| Fortress | A strong building or structure used for defense. | Despite its thick walls, Burg Eltz is more of a grand home than a medieval fortress. |
| Trade Route | A route or path used for the exchange of goods and services. | The Moselle River, near Burg Eltz, was a historically important trade route. |
| Renovation | The act of repairing or restoring something, especially a building. | Burg Eltz requires constant renovation and repair to maintain its structure. |
| Seclusion | The state of being alone or isolated. | The castle’s seclusion might make it difficult for some to imagine living there. |
| Tapestries | Decorative hangings made of woven fabric, often depicting scenes or images. | Burg Eltz features beautiful tapestries that add to its historic charm. |
| Idyllic | Extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque. | Some visitors find life in Burg Eltz to be idyllic, despite its challenges. |
| Charm | A pleasing or attractive quality. | Burg Eltz has a certain charm that makes it a unique and special place to explore. |
Watch The Video
Vocabulary Quiz
1. Which word means ‘a strong building built to protect people from attack’?
A) Fortress
B) Castle
C) Mansion
D) Medieval fortress
2. What does ‘idyllic’ mean in the context of describing life in Burg Eltz castle?
A) Difficult and challenging
B) Peaceful and extremely beautiful
C) Old and historic
D) Remote and inaccessible
3. What is the approximate thickness of the walls of Burg Eltz castle?
A) 0.5 meters
B) 1 meter
C) 1.5 meters
D) 2 meters
4. Why is the location of Burg Eltz castle near the Moselle River significant?
A) It provides a peaceful environment
B) It offers a unique view
C) It was a historically important trade route
D) It is close to a town
5. What is one of the challenges of living in Burg Eltz castle according to Count Jakob von and zu Eltz?
A) The lack of fireplaces
B) The abundance of rooms
C) The difficulty of heating and upkeep
D) The proximity to the town
Answer Key:
1. D
2. B
3. C
4. C
5. C
Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus: Use of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Grammar Quiz:
Choose the correct answer for each question:
- By the time I arrived at the castle, the owners ____________________ it for over 20 years.
- The Eltz family ____________________ in Burg Eltz castle for over 800 years, making them the perfect people to ask about life in a medieval castle.
- By next year, the castle ____________________ its 900th anniversary of being inhabited by the same family.
- The constant need for renovation and repair ____________________ the castle reliant on tourist income and government support.
- Count Jakob von and zu Eltz ____________________ his experience of living in the castle, stating that it’s “special” but not necessarily luxurious.
a) have owned
b) own
c) have been owning
d) had owned
a) lives
b) have lived
c) has been living
d) lived
a) will have celebrated
b) celebrates
c) has celebrated
d) is celebrating
a) makes
b) has made
c) is making
d) has been making
Answer Key:
- d) had owned
- c) has been living
- a) will have celebrated
- d) has been making
- a) shares