Katzenstein Castle

, Also called Burg Katzenstein Cazzenstein, is one of the oldest surviving castles in the Staufer named after her district of Oberdischingen in the district of Heidenheim in Baden- Württemberg.

Geographical location

The hill fort is located in the Härtsfeld in a tributary of the Egau near the Roman road Faimingen - Oberndorf bei Bopfingen (also called Frankensträßle ). It is located at about 538 meters above sea level.

History

In 1099 the Lords of Cazzenstein be called the first time. They were vassals of the Counts of Dillingen. In 1262, the nobles of Hürnheim named as the owner of the castle "by Katzenstein "; Hermann von Hürnheim - Katzenstein sold the castle and appurtenances.

Owning moved in 1354 to the Counts of Oettingen. They pledged the castle to the Earl of Helfenstein, this fief in 1382 by Berthold Westerstetten with Katzenstein. 1572 went out the Katzensteiner line of Westerstetten. Then sold the heirs of the last Wester Stetter Katzenstein at their liege lord, the Count of Oettingen.

In 1648 the French put the castle on fire. Notger Count Wilhelm von Oettingen- Baldern had the castle from 1669 to renew again and turned it into his residence.

Katzenstein went on after the death of the last Count of Oettingen- Baldern 1798 the princely line of Oettingen- Wallenstein, to be finally in 1810 the Württemberg Oberamt Neresheim incorporated.

Since 1939, it is privately owned, but still open to the public.

Description

A Romanesque donjon, which in the year 1000 built chapel for St. Lawrence - and the Palas are obtained in state of the 17th century - with unique frescoes from the transitional period of the late Romanesque and early Gothic architecture.