Ostheim v.d Rhön is an old settlement founded about 525 and first mentioned in writing in 802.
North of the town center is the largest and best preserved fortified church complex in Central Europe.
It was begun about 1410 and completed circa 1500. It consisted of two fortified wall rings and twelve towers, five of which still exist.
Unique are the 72 store houses for storing food, livestock and valuables in time of war, which were built in 1547, 1575, 1576, 1855 and 1864.
The size of the fortification is 75 meters by 75 meters (246 feet by 246 feet)
The site is well preserved and not widely known and it is therefore easy to photograph there without getting people in the frame.
Click on a thumbnail to see a larger image.