Ehrenbreitstein, a-ren-brit'stin, a majestic German fortress. It is situated on a precipitous rock 387 feet above the eastern bank of the Rhine. The present fortifications were constructed in 1816-1826, at an expense of $6,000,000. The fortress is approached usually from Coblenz by a bridge of boats. The rock is precipitous on three sides, and is ascended on the fourth by a zigzag lane, flanked by heavy masonry and commanded by heavy cannon at every angle. The fortress is considered one of the strongest in the world, and is often called the "Gibraltar of the Rhine." It accommodates 14,000 soldiers. The parade ground commands a magnificent view of the Rhine, the Moselle, and the city of Coblenz. See RHINE; COBLENZ; MOSELLE.