Brenz Castle
Schloss Brenz is a castle in Brenz an der Brenz, a district of Sontheim in the district of Heidenheim in Baden- Württemberg.
History
The Castle Hill - formerly the site of a Roman estate with Apollo Grannus sanctuary and military way-station - is a place with a long architectural history dar. From the subsequent construction of a Alamannic ruling dynasty and the 8th century a Frankish manor shows the history of further developments until probably since the 10th or 11th century a fortified castle- like property was available. After another historic-architectural changes, the castle stood at the end of the Thirty Years' War - 1631 or 1634 - in turn destroyed there and had to be reconstructed in many parts. In 1617, Schloss Brenz went as appanage to the Duke Julius Friedrich of Württemberg- Weiltingen. It was started in that castle Brenz be developed into a princely secondary residence.
The present castle building is the result of over the years 1667 to 1672 extending construction phase, probably with involvement of older components. Based on the Fälldatums of the built- in roof timbers details of the construction progress can be made:
- North Wing 1667/68
- West wing and corner South 1666/69
- South Wing 1669/71 (whether the south wing was created completely new at this time, is not yet proven).
Presumably, the external action in 1672 was completed ( see date at the entrance courtyard south wing ). The Knights' Hall of the equipment may have been completed in 1674. As a building owner Dowager Juliane is mentioned that acted as a guardian for the future Duke Friedrich Ferdinand and the transformation created a befitting residence. She allowed the co-regency of her son from 1672, gave this 1680 fully on to him. As in 1691, the Dowager Duchess died, the castle was probably inhabited only by domestics.
In 1721 Duke Eberhard Ludwig gave the castle to his mistress Wilhelmine of Grävenitz but soon fell out of favor and Württemberg had to leave with all your goods.
After that, no more use took place, from 1756 or 1789 was the castle as uninhabited. The stock was caused not significantly altered or revised by the limited use of the building, probably in the 18th century did not, respectively.
1847 or 1848, the castle was sold by the state to the community and used as a council and school house. At that time, a top official description was made, in the now outgoing, ceiling paintings of the knights' hall be mentioned.
From about 1911 the renovation work at the castle regarding room layout and creation of separate living areas can be substantiated. In addition repairs of the worst damage, as well as oil paint were carried out on the wooden parts of the facades. In addition, rooms for museum use of the local history museum founded in 1906 were supplied. Initially this, the Knight's Hall was used. The Knights' Hall was in 1848 first fruit store, then carpentry workshop, gym room, and finally from 1893 Interim Church - to the museum and its use in connection therewith renewal in 1925.
The renovation of the castle gate at the entrance to the courtyard was also conducted in 1925. In 1973 appeared Heimatbuch " Brenz and his environment" is mentioned that in the castle since the end of World War II conservation measures were carried out, which were completed for 300 - year celebration in 1972 (Renovation work on the façade and in the interior, probably in the Great Hall ).
After giving up the school and town hall use the museum utilization has been extended.
In 2010 began a comprehensive renovation, the monument protection law is to be completed in October 2011.