Kalbe (Milde), which lies within the Altmark, was once home to the von Alvensleben Family.
Some of the von Alvensleben family lived in the Burg Kalbe, that’s now a ruined water castle from either the 9th or 10th century. What’s truly remarkable about this castle (other than being a Saxon Fortress) is that it had not one, not two, but at least three moats.
A bit paranoid about protection, huh? ;-)
FYI, the von Alvenslebens have dedicated their lives to Germany, going on to be everything from Prussian Generals to politicians, ambassadors, an abbess, and even a Grand Master of the Order of St. John.
The von Alvenslebens aren’t the only famous “people” to be talked about here. In the village of Zethlingen there’s an outdoor museum that talks about the famous Lombards (those Nibelungenlied guys), built over prehistoric “fire graves” (called Brandgrab in German).
In any language, it’s just a nice way of saying urnfield.
Like medieval churches? I hope so, ’cause Kalbe on the Milde River has a number of them. There’s a Romanesque one from the 12th century in the village of Wernstedt, and another in the village of Güssefeld with all sorts of frescoes decorating it.
The village of Jeggeleben isn’t going to be left out, so after see its early Gothic stone church, go see its 18th century Windmill, and what remains of its former castle.
Kakerbeck has a medieval church (a 13th century Romanesque one) with ceiling paintings too. And in Vienau, there are two medieval churches — and the ruins of an 18th century manor house.
Come to think of it… the Altmark is great, yes, but Kalbe has something special too.
