Hornberg Castle

Hornberg Castle was built in 1216 by the Nobles of Sulz as a satellite castle to their main castle, Sulz Castle. Hornberg Castle was constructed to additionally secure the connecting road through the Steinbachklinge between the imperial cities of Hall and Rothenburg. Shortly after, the Sulz family built Kirchberg Castle on the other side of the Jagst ford, which evolved into Kirchberg Castle and the town of Kirchberg. Together with Sulz Castle, it secured the ford crossing of the Jagst, an important long-distance route at the time. All three castles were Staufen imperial castles.

In the years following the construction of Hornberg Castle, the village of Hornberg developed, serving as a forecourt for the castle, which was solely built as a core castle.

Subsequently, the castle was owned by several proprietors, making it a joint-heritage castle. In 1339, Albrecht of Hohenlohe-Uffenheim acquired the castle and its lordship. In 1360, fortifications were constructed to secure the castle. From 1504, the Crailsheim family appeared as the sole owners and have remained so to this day. In 1525, the castle was partially destroyed in the Peasants' War. In the following decades, it was rebuilt and transformed into a Renaissance castle. In 1588, the zwinger was rebuilt and economic buildings were constructed. In 1599, the west wing was rebuilt. In 1647, the outer castle courtyard was transformed into an expansive castle garden.

In 1944/45, the castle suffered significant roof damage during World War II, which the owners were able to quickly repair after the war.

Address

Baron-Kurt-Straße 1, Kirchberg an der Jagst, Germany

Details

Founded: 1216
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)