Bergfried
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Bergfried is a tall tower that is typically found in castles of the Middle Ages in German-speaking countries and in countries under German influence. Friar describes it as a "free-standing, fighting-tower". Its defensive function is to some extent similar to that of a keep in English or French castles. However the characteristic difference between a bergfried and a keep is that a bergfried was typically not designed for permanent habitation.
Topoľčany Castle, Slovakia. Three lines of defence are perfectly depicted here: Renaissance bastions, central Gothic fortification and a bergfried as the last refuge.
Cross section of a typical bergfried, from Piper's classic text
The bergfried in the centre of the site dominates the silhouette of Hocheppan in South Tyrol, Italy
The bergfried near the gate of Genovevaburg, Mayen, Germany
Gräfenstein Castle
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Gräfenstein Castle is a ruined rock castle about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) east of the village of Merzalben in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. It is in the county of Südwestpfalz within the Palatine Forest and is often called Merzalber Schloss. It is built on a rock plateau 12 metres (39 ft) high at an elevation of 447 metres (1,467 ft) above sea level.
The heart of Gräfenstein Castle with its inner main gate
Schematic plan of the bergfried
The bergfried and mantlet wall