Nanstein Castle () is a ruined medieval castle above the town of Landstuhl in Germany, which has been partially reconstructed. The red sandstone rock castle dates from the 12th century and was once owned by Franz von Sickingen, who was mortally wounded during a siege of the castle in 1523. History Frederick I of Germany had Nanstein Castle built about 1152. The medieval hill (spur) castle, situated above a high sandstone ledge, was originally part of the Hohenstaufen defenses guarding the imperial lands in the south-western Palatinate. Imperial Knight and Protestant reformer Franz von Sickingen modernized the castle in the 16th century and turned it into a citadel that was supposed to withstand the artillery of the age. In 1523 (during the so-called "Knights' Revolt"), the castle was besieged by the Archbishop of Trier, Palatine Elector Louis V, and Landgrave of Hesse. Sickingen fell mortally wounded during the siege. Sickingen's sons received the partially destroyed castle back from Elector Louis V in 1542 (as a feudal tenure), and immediately rebuilt it in a Renaissance style. In 1668, the Elector Charles Louis captured the restored castle and had it partially destroyed. French troops destroyed other parts in 1689. In the following centuries several repairs were made, but it remains a castle ruin. References Further reading External links Nanstein Castle at Legendary Castles of the Palatinate 1150s establishments in the Holy Roman Empire 12th-century fortifications Buildings and structures completed in the 1150s Buildings and structures in Landstuhl Castles in Rhineland-Palatinate Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor Gothic architecture in Germany Hill castles Holy Roman Empire House of Sickingen Imperial castles Nine Years' War Renaissance architecture in Germany Renaissance buildings and structures Ruined castles in Germany Sandstone buildings in Germany Tourist attractions in Landstuhl