Cochem - Day 7

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Today we are cruising on the Mosel River. Almost from the time we left the Rhine and started on the Mosel, we saw steep vineyards -- everywhere -- up and down the hillsides, mostly in verticals rows to facilitate harvesting. We often saw a ladder-like structure that is used to transport the harvested fruit down to the road.

Along the way we saw more quaint little villages.

We also saw a lot of people camping along the river. Apparently, some of these tent-like structures are permanent and only cost about 3,000 euros a year for a lease -- a cheap vacation home.

A note about the Mosel River.  It begins in Alsace, France, and flows toward the northeast, becoming the border between Luxembourg and Germany. It is 341 miles long.

We arrived in Cochem after lunch and started our tour. We walked across the Mosel and into town, giving us a nice view of the city. It is probably the most visited city on the Mosel even though it only has 6,000 inhabitants.

We walked through the old gate tower and visited the main town square.  The architecture is similar in all these towns with the half timber buildings, which are often several centuries old - usually from the 1600's.

The main event here was visiting the Reichsburg Castle. 

Castle in background:

The views from the castle looking back on the Mosel were fantastic. 

It was originally built in the 12th century, but was obliterated by Louis XIV in 1689. It was a colorful stone ruin for 180 years until Berlin businessman Louis Ravene bought it and rebuilt the castle in 1868. However, he did not follow the original Romanesque style but chose a neoGothic plan for his family's summer residence. Some of both styles remain but the interior decor is Medieval to Renaissance.

Delft tiles from 16th century.

His family lost the castle and all of its art during WW II and the city purchased it after the war from the government for 500,000 euros.

We had some free time afterwards but there was not much to do in such a small town -- and it started to rain.  I thought this piece of civic art was interesting and full of symbolism, which I can't remember, but love the design.

Tonight we had another multi-course dinner with new acquaintances and celebrated a fun day.

Looking back on Cochem as we set sail.