British painter William Turner is regarded as one of the fathers of Rhine romanticism. Today, his paintings are still ambassadors for the Middle Rhine Valley, which, with its high density of castles, sloped vineyards and the various localities on the narrow banks, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yet, Rhineland-Palatinate has so much more to offer: Moselle romanticism certainly has as many benefits as 'Father Rhine' – one more reason to introduce the popular Moselle-Saar holiday region.
The Moselle – home to one of the most photographed castles in Germany Nostalgics from the Moselle region look at the DM500 note they may still possess melancholically. However, this is not only due to its former nominal value. Rather, they miss the vignette of the impressive Eltz Castle, which they were so proud of. Located in a side valley of the Moselle, Eltz Castle is reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty's castle to many a visitor in the area. The stone and timber-frame structure, still in perfect condition, is a source of fascination, especially since it has never been destroyed. The castle has been the family estate of the Counts of Eltz for centuries. Many visitors consider it the Neuschwanstein Castle of Rhineland-Palatinate.
