Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Louis IV

Since 1971 Mardorf is part of Amöneburg, where St. Bonifatius founded a small "cella" in 721. A "chapel" in Mardorf was first mentioned in 1266. This chapel was probably part of the village´s fortification. Today's Baroque church was erected between 1713 and 1722. The tower of the church is an older keep. In 1933 early Gothic murals were found here, dated to around 1270. This is (for me) the most impressing murals in Mardorf. Depicted are scenes of the merciful deeds of St. Elizabeth. Elizabeth of Hungary (German: Elisabeth von Thüringen) was married at the age of 14 to Ludwig IV (aka Louis IV, Landgrave of Thuringia), who was 17 at that time. She was widowed at 20 after her husband had died in Otranto on his way to Jerusalem ill of the plague. After her husband's death she sent her children away and regained her dowry, using the money to build a hospital where she herself served the sick. She became a symbol of Christian charity after her death at the age of 24 and was canonized on 25 May 1235. The last three years of her life Elizabeth had lived in Marburg (less than 15kms away). After her canonization her tomb developed into a main pilgrimage place in Germany. This murals were created only a few decades after her death. They are a proof of the legendary popularity she had - and still has!

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle in the center, (reconsructed) Burg Gutenfels in the background to the left. Ludwig the Bavarian (later "Ludwig IV, Holy Roman Emperor") erected a tower on the island in 1326/1327 to enforce the toll, that had to be paid in Kaub. Since 1477 Pfalzgrafenstein was in the ownership of the Counts of Katzenelnbogen, who extended the gun bastion. An iron chain across the Rhine forced all ships to submit. "Uncooperative" traders could be kept in the dungeon until a ransom was delivered. Pfalzgrafenstein was never conquered or destroyed. The plaque to the right commemorates Prussian General Bluecher, who crossed the Rhine here with his army of 60.000 in the pursuit of Napoleon´s army after the Battle of Leipzig. The island then was used as the center of a floating bridge, constructed by Russian military engineers.

MV Kuba in the forground and the castle of Rheingrafenstein in the background. Ludwig the Bavarian (later "Ludwig IV, Holy Roman Emperor") erected a tower on the island in 1326/1327 to enforce the toll, that had to be paid in Kaub. Since 1477 Pfalzgrafenstein was in the ownership of the Counts of Katzenelnbogen, who extended the gun bastion. An iron chain across the Rhine forced all ships to submit. "Uncooperative" traders could be kept in the dungeon until a ransom was delivered. Pfalzgrafenstein was never conquered or destroyed. In January 1813 Prussian General Bluecher and his army of 60.000 crossed the Rhine here in the pursuit of Napoleon´s army after the Battle of Leipzig. The island then was used as the center of a floating bridge, constructed by Russian military engineers. As this photo (taken in December) is rather bleak, the following upload will depict the castle in autumn, taken from the western riverbank.