The landscapes of Hesse between the Rhine, the Slate Mountains, the Weserbergland, Werra, Rhön, Spessart, and Odenwald have a long history. In relation to the size of the federal state, the number of castle ruins here is remarkably high, suggesting that castle construction in this region has been prominent since the early Middle Ages. Hans and Doris Maresch have selected the most interesting of the more than five hundred castles and palaces, as well as castle and palace ruins in Hesse for this volume, providing an informative overview of the noteworthy structures from ruins to moated castles to hunting lodges. They explain their history, architecture, interiors, and current uses. A pictogram bar allows for quick orientation regarding the included buildings, providing an at-a-glance overview of the main features of the objects.