Burgstall

A burgstall is a German term referring to a castle of which so little is left that its appearance cannot effectively be reconstructed.

Variations in the literature include Burgstelle, Altburgstelle, die Burgställe (plural), Burgstähl (archaic) or abgegangene Burg ("lost castle").

Many castles that survive today only as burgställe were slighted in the Middle Ages or left to decay naturally after being attacked and destroyed.

In some instances only the earthworks remain visible above the ground – features such as ditches and ramparts.

Usage of burgstall in comparison with a ruin or castle: A large number of castles have not survived in their original form but have simply been incorporated into a later structure, such as an early modern fortress or later modern schloss, where they form elements such as individual wings (often parts of the inner bailey), buildings or part of the fortifications or are simply used for the foundations of newer buildings or creation of garden terraces.