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Burg Reichenstein - Trechtingshausen
Burg Reichestein, also called Falkenburg, is situated above Trechtingshausen. The large castle complex built on a jutting, rocky crag is a fine example of the reconstruction of castles in the new gothic style.
The beginnings of Burg Reichenstein date back to the 8th century, when people on the Rhine began to build fortified dwelling-places.
Until the end of the 18th century, Mainz remained its possessor. After
various change of ownership, the stronghold at last passes into the possession
of the family of Baron Kirsch-Puricelli in 1899, who in the course of several
generations restored the castle to its ancient forms.
When Baron Nicolaus Kirsch-Puricelli died in 1936, (his wife Olga died
the previous year) the living quarters were given up by their children;
it had become too expensive to keep 40 servants at times (coachmen, stable
boys, gardeners, kitchen staff, chambermaids, etc). The heir Baron Dr.
Paul Kirsch-Puricelli, kept the castle open as a museum. His nephew, Baron
von Schorlemer-Lieser followed his footsteps. Only at the beginning of
1987, after almost 90 years in the family, the castle received a new proprietor.