During the Second Margrave War in 1552, Forchheim was occupied by troops of Margrave of Culmbach and later expanded with new fortifications. The town's defenses were improved with bastions, towers, and gates. During the Thirty Years' War, Forchheim served as a strategic location and a refuge, and its fortifications were further developed. Various outworks and defensive structures were added, designed by prominent architects. In the 18th century, additional buildings were constructed in the town center. After changes in ownership, the fortress lost its military importance and was gradually demolished starting in 1875. However, the moats were transformed into a park for public enjoyment.
References:Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.
The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.
These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.