Raubschloss Liebenstein Castle

Raubschloss Liebenstein refers to a castle ruin on a rocky spur in the Schwarzwasser Valley near Pobershau. The castle was probably built in the 12th century and may have served to protect the road.

According to archaeological finds, a medieval fortification existed on the steep Liebenstein mountain spur, which slopes down into the valley, from the 12th to the 14th century. It was probably a rural manorial seat, possibly of Bohemian feudal lords. However, Bohemian influence at this location can be doubted, as the area in question was then uninhabited primeval forest.

With some probability, today's deserted Ullersdorf can be assigned to this fortification. It is assumed that it acted as a local base in the colonization process. At the same time, the fortification and settlement are considered the most advanced outposts of an area in which - apparently favored by a Bohemian path - settlement began in the second half of the 12th century.

The name Liebenstein is only preserved on later maps. In popular parlance, the term Raubschloss (robber castle) was coined for the remains of the complex.

It had an estimated total length of 90 meters and a width of 25 meters. The fortification consisted of two simple earth ditches with an intervening earthen rampart to seal it off from the hinterland. The interior of the castle consisted of two parts: an approximately square area and, separated from it by a ditch, the elevated core work, which is formed by a rocky cliff partly clad with dry-laid masonry.

Until the 18th century, the ruin with remains of a strong tower is said to have still been visible.