Schloss Greifenstein is a castle in the mountainous Fraconian Switzerland region of Upper Franconia, Germany. Since 1691 Greifenstein, the 'stone stronghold' of Heiligenstadt round its walls, is the seat of the noble Schenk von Stauffenberg family. Greifenstein is a prominent feature of the modern tourist itinerary called the Burgenstraße.

The Gothic castle that was first noted in 1172 was ruined and pillaged during the Peasants' war of 1524-1525 and was subsequently rebuilt. Then Marquard Sebastian von Schenk von Stauffenberg, Prince-Bishopric of Bamberg, took possession and rebuilt Greifenstein in Baroque style from 1691 to 1693, under the direction of the Bavarian architect Leonhard Dientzenhofer; consequently, as a seat of the bishop it is sometimes called Greifenstein Palais, though the aofficial bishop's palace stood (and still stands) in Bamberg.

A comprehensive restoration was carried out by Otto Philipp Schenk, Graf von Stauffenberg, in 1975–77.

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Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Krzysztof Czech (6 months ago)
Great place and great Guide. I had to wait quite a long to enter the castle as there must be at least four visitors to start the tour, but it was worth every minute waiting and every cent spent on the ticket. The Guide takes you to armory, chapel, library (all are VERY impressing for somebody interested in history) and has a lot of stories to tell you about everything you see. It was the first place in my life, and I've visited a lot of museums and exhibitions, where The Guide took one of the muskets from the exhibition and handed it to us saying "feel how heavy it is". Totally mind blowing experience :-) The only thing I regret is, that I had not time to take the tour again because, as The Guide said "I could talk for hours, but we have limited time, so every time I lead a tour, I have to choose what to speak about". I am looking forward to visit the castle again.
Yuriy Ch (7 months ago)
A collection of various weapons. From the Middle Ages to the World War II. It is better to understand German well. There is practically nothing said about Colonel Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg. It is forbidden to take pictures inside the castle. The castle is on a steep hill and there is nowhere to walk. A piece of German rich history. Visit this place!
Míriam Perez Mariano (9 months ago)
The tourist guide is very funny, very kind, and very knowledgeable. If you like old weapons, you'll love the tour.
Krzysztof (2 years ago)
Wonderful place. Great tour guide.
Christine (3 years ago)
Very nice weapon chamber and library. Rather short excursion with no photos allowed -- probably would spend the money on another historical site in future.
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