The baronial castle in the city of Dakau
1608
The castle in Dakau turned out to be something of a mixture. Clearly built during a period of relative peace, the central building had been designed for aesthetics and comfort rather than defence. This decision having been repented after the inevitable flare-up with the nomads across the border, fortified outworks had been added at a later date. The end result was reminiscent of a flower in a steel box; a delicate, rather romantic castle securely enclosed by dour, ruggedly practical outer walls and barbicans.
The belated common sense approach had been extended to the city; a space of five hundred yards separated the moat from a waist-high ‘wall’ encircling the castle, and no part of the city itself came any closer than that wall.
Within the curtain wall was another killing ground, as well as stables, smithy & other usual outbuildings. At the opposite side of the courtyard a splendid stair led up to the magnificent main doorway.