Schlossberg Sandstone Caves in Homburg

situated below the ruins of Hohenburg Castle, which used to stand on top of the Schlossberg hill, the Schlossberg caves in Homburg are the largest sandstone caves in Europe. Man-made in the 17th century, the site was used for quarrying sand. Because of its significant proportion of quartz crystals, the excavated sand was especially suitable for use in glass making. In the form of scouring sand, it was also employed for cleaning purposes, while silica sand was used as the main mould and core making material in the foundry industry. During World War II, the townsfolk sought shelter in the caves from air attacks. A set of bunkers which were built in the early 1950s for the regional government of the time can still be found on site. The caves, which have a constant temperature of 10 Celsius at all times, can be accessed by stairs from the old town. The Schlossberg can also be reached by car. From the parking lot, another set of stairs leads directly to the entrance of the Schlossberg caves