Details
Founded: 16th centuryCategory: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Reformation & Wars of Religion (Germany)
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Schloss Amerang sits atop a steep rocky hill south of the village and shapes its skyline. Its origins lie in an 11th-century fortress, which was converted and expanded by the Scaliger family in the 16th century into a castle with elements of the Italian Renaissance. The inner courtyard, with its three-story arcaded galleries, is one of the oldest examples of early Renaissance architecture in Bavaria. Uniquely, the almost circular layout of the building contains not a single right angle in any of its 40 interior rooms.
The castle has been the residence of the baronial von Crailsheim family for nearly 200 years. They also operate it as a hotel, restaurant, and event venue. Some of the castle's historic interiors can be viewed on guided tours.
The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.
The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.
The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.
The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.