Gößweinstein Castle

Gößweinstein, Germany

Gößweinstein Castle a medieval hilltop castle in Gößweinstein in the county of Forchheim in the German state of Bavaria. It towers high above the market town and the River Wiesent and may have been the inspiration for Richard Wagner's grail castle in his opera, Parsifal.

The castle was probably named after its founder, Count Gozwin. He was killed in 1065, after he had invaded the territory of the Bishop of Würzburg. The first record of Goswinesteyn castle is dated to 1076. At that time, Emperor Henry IV had Bishop Burchard II of Halberstadt, who had become embroiled in the Saxon Rebellion, incarcerated there, a fact which suggests it was already a strong fortress.

From the time of Bishop Otto of Bamberg there is evidence that the castle became part of the Bamberg estate. From 1348 to 1780 it was the seat of a vogtei under the bishops of Bamberg.

In 1525, during the Peasants' War it was destroyed and rebuilt. During the Second Margrave War in 1553 the castle was again destroyed and later rebuilt.

The castle became a Bavarian possession as a result of secularisation of the Bishopric of Bamberg in 1803. The Bavarian state sold the castle in 1875 to Pauline Rabeneck, a landowning widow from the Manor (Rittergut) of Aspach near Uffenheim. In 1890 Baron Edgar of Sohlern purchased the castle and had it remodelled in the Neogothic style. The castle chapel also has Late Gothic statues.

The castle is still in the hands of the von Sohlen family. It houses a medieval museum which may be visited for a small entrance fee and there is a beer garden and terrace with good views over the Wiesent valley and village of Gößweinstein.

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Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Salian Dynasty (Germany)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Yuriy Ch (6 months ago)
Not a lot of exhibits to see. Only one floor to visit. Nice views from the hill. Not a long way to climb. Private ownership. On the other side of the village there's another hill with a great view. Parking in the center of the village - 2 Euro per day. Up to you to visit or not.
Brigitte Fox (8 months ago)
This Castle IS definitely open for visitation. It's a wonderful example of German middle age construction. The View is spectacular and the walk to the top of the hill is easily manageable. The best thing about this castle is that it is not commercial like some of the other places: no crowds, easy on and out. Just perfect. Have a beer and enjoy the view.
Nils Paellmann (2 years ago)
Storybook castle which has everything you would desire from a quintessential castle, including a prison/dungeon, arms and armor, a "Burgstube", a "Schloßkapelle", and so on. Everything is seen through the prism of a 19th century neogothic renovation. Perfect view of Gössweinstein and its basilica.
Heinz Peter (3 years ago)
Wonderfully renovated 11th century castle, decorated with armour and weapons from the olde days of yore. Charming little beergarden facing south, sunshine guaranteed, serving coffees, cake, wine and beer. Great for a break after some hiking. A must!
Necati Alkan (4 years ago)
Very nice town with a beautiful castle!
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