408 FROM THE MINES OF GREMNITZ. 
CHAP, ig geen meandering most majestically upon the 
right. Near Deutch Altemhurgh, we halted at a 
custom-house, where our passports were de- 
manded: we supposed this place denoted the 
old boundary between Himgary and Germany. 
Upon an eminence towards the left, in the first 
half of the way from Presburg, are the remains 
of a very antient fortress, consisting of a square 
tower and some ruined walls. After the officers 
had made their usual visit, the scrutiny was 
attested upon our passports; and ?i counter-mark 
was given to us, to enable us to proceed with- 
out further interruption. 
Aitem- Deutch Altemhurgh is a small fortified town, 
with a citadel, which has the air of an antient 
structure: indeed, the name Altemburgh sig- 
nifies an old fortress\ A description of this 
citadel, and of its fortifications, written by John 
Martin Stella, was dated from the fortress itself 
in 1543;' whereby it appears that, as a bul- 
wark, it guarded the only passage from Hungary 
(1) "Altemburgh, quod Latine interpretatum dicitur, vetus castellum." 
Banzano, Epii. Rer. Hungar, apud Script. Rer. Hung. p. 213. Francof. 
1600. 
(2) " Valete ex ipsa arce veteri, sive Altemburgo 8. Calend. August, 
anno Mdxliu." Vide Script. Rer. Hung. p. 607. Francof. 1600. 
burfik. 
