When the Industrial Revolution swept across Europe in the mid and late 18th century, it brought along with it a major switch from an agricultural way of life to urban life. As factories began to replace fields, populations began migrating en masse to cities. At the same time, an increase in scientific rationalism and scientific positivism (the belief that all phenomena can be explained by scientific deduction) began to reduce the magic of the natural world to a series of explainable events. While this brought along much advancement and ingenuity, it also left many feeling alienated from nature, emotions and their heritage. It was at this time that the movement of Romanticism was born. Primarily beginning as a reaction to the Industrial Revolution in England, the first Romantics were often writers and painters whose goal was to capture the beauty of the natural world as smoke stacks and bustling city centers began to appear. They argued that modernity needed to progress cautiously and that the conservation and preservation of culture, individuality, and ecology were vital. Often, the Middle Ages were idealized as a time of bliss and harmony between art and nature.

By the early 19th century, Romantic philosophy had spread to the European continent. The Rhine became a popular tourist destination for those seeking a glimpse into a more romantic past, and many travel guides and works of art were published which fueled a burgeoning appreciation for the waterway. The aristocracy of Europe also became enamored with Romanticism, as their wealth and ownership over many of the medieval sites began to inspire restoration projects along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Old ruins throughout the region gave way to impressive Gothic palaces, cathedrals and castles which in turn became the focus for brilliant pieces of art and literature.

Rhine Romanticism helped usher in a new era of restoration, appreciation, and conservation for the German Rhine Gorge and bring forth many of the wonders we marvel at today. Below are some of our favorite architectural masterpieces that capture this incredibly significant movement. 

Sitting at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, the German city of Koblenz acts as the gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. As you pass through this once Roman settlement, you'll be met with a wealth of fascinating historical monuments. Of them, is the ever-inspiring Stolzenfels Castle. Constructed as a medieval fortress in the 13th century, it had by the 19th century become merely a pile of ruins. Then, in 1823, the ruins were gifted to the Crown Prince Frederick William IV of Prussia. Taken aback by the Rhine's natural beauty and cultural significance — and in the spirit of Romanticism— Frederick had the ruins rebuilt in the Gothic tradition to reflect Koblenz's medieval heritage. Many say that Frederick's fascination with Romanticism, and his desire to rebuild these riverside ruins into his Gothic masterpiece was inspired by his cousin's Romantic renovation of the Rheinstein Castle. 

Just to the south of Koblenz, along the winding course of the Rhine, sits the small town of Trechtingshausen. Nestled within a prominent wine-growing region and set against the stunning Bingen Forest, this medieval enclave is worth exploring. Like Koblenz, Trechtingshausen is home to a castle from the Middle Ages that was saved during the height of the Romantic period. Originally called the Fatzberg Castle, when Crown Prince Frederick William IV's cousin, Prince Frederick William Louis, purchased it in the 19th century, it was also in ruins. Yet, the desire to emulate the architectural wonders of the Rhine which stood centuries prior led to the immaculate restoration which you can still enjoy today. A nod to the region's viticulture, the renamed Rheinstein Castle is home to the famous courtyard, the Burgundy Garden. Named after the Burgundy grapevine which grows throughout the courtyard, it is said that this vine itself is over 500 years old and still produces grapes to this day. 

Constructed in 1117, the Marksburg Castle is one of the oldest medieval castles still standing in Europe. In fact, it is one of only two castles along the Rhine Gorge that has never fallen in disrepair or been completely destroyed. It was, however, modified throughout the ages as it tended to always serve its owners a purpose. By the Romantic period, the castle was actually under the rule of Napoleon and used as a hospital and military prison. Still, it was regarded as an architectural and historical marvel — even mentioned along with the town of Braubach which it overlooks in Victor Hugo's 19th-century travel guide, Le Rhin. 

At the end of the 18th century, the German town of Bacharach had become unknown to the world. Once relatively prominent for its strategic location and its harbor on the Rhine, years of war and French occupation left it almost a ghost town. However, beginning with a jubilant visitor in Victor Hugo, the 19th century saw Bacharach get caught up in a wave of Rhine Romanticism. Writers and painters began to flock to the town to celebrate its historical significance, cultural perseverance, and beautiful countryside. Renowned Romantic poet, Heinrich Heine, used the town as a subject for his 1840 poem Der Rabbi von Bacherach to much acclaim. Pictured here is part of the breathtaking Werner Chapel which was itself saved and restored during this period of revitalization. 

Like stepping into a fairytale, there's perhaps no better way to experience the Romanticism of Europe than on an inspiring river cruise through the Rhine Gorge. Your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship will introduce you to the many riverside wonders which have long served as a romantic inspiration.