Originally named Burg Braubach, The Marksburg rises high above the right bank of the Rhine River, crowning a cone-shaped hill overlooking the town of Braubach. The Marksburg is the only castle on the Middle Rhine to escape destruction or ruin. The castle had some additions in the 17th and 18th century, but maintains its medieval character.In 1135 the castle and half the town of Braubach were given to the Archbishop of Mainz, a member of the house of Eppstein who owned the castle until 1283. The daughter of the Count of Eppstein married Eberhard von Katzenelnbogen and when she died, being the only heir from the Eppstein family, the castle became the possession of the Counts of Katzenelnbogen in 1283 and stayed in their possession until 1479.