Ortenburg Castle

Ortenburg, Germany

The first hill fort overlooking the valley of Wolfach was built by Count Rapoto I von Ortenburg around 1120. Due to the power of Ortenburg house there were many conflicts with neihgbor states in the late 12th century and early 13th century. The castle was destroyed in one of these wars in 1192 and subsequently rebuilt. The medieval castle was sacked and almost completely destroyed in Landshut War of Succession in 1504.

The current Ortenburg castle was built in its current form as a renaissance castle in 1562. The interior furnishing of the halls had been first completed in 1800. Therefore, the castle holds interior decoration and art dating back over the course of two centuries. The precious coffered ceiling of the castle chapel is particularly worth noting. The ceiling, which had been made with five different types of wood, is among the most significant renaissance wood ceilings in Germany. Further art treasures included the knights’ hall and the renaissance inner courtyard. Today, the castle is home to the Ortenburg Castle Museum.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1562
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Reformation & Wars of Religion (Germany)

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Matthias Hoge (3 years ago)
Beautiful little enchanted castle between Vilshofen and the Bavarian spa triangle. The castle looks quite unimpressive from the outside, but has an interesting little museum and a beautiful castle chapel. The entrance is locked and you first ring the bell and wait a little until a museum employee comes and grants you admission. Admission is also relatively cheap at less than 5€.
Leipziger Stadtimker (3 years ago)
A very beautiful and enchanted castle. :) We were there in the low season (October 2021) and you could look at the castle in peace. The prices are great, although you could certainly take a little more, since maintaining the castle also costs something. :) We were received very nicely and if you had any questions you could always contact the "castle lady". ;) We would love to come back again. If you are looking for a beautiful place to have your wedding, this is the place for you. Best regards from Saxony
Karim Belaid (4 years ago)
Too small
Seek Haba (4 years ago)
Super
Juergen Knecht (4 years ago)
A beautiful castle with a wildlife park. Very nice wooden ceiling and great for hiking
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.