Upper Castle

Unlike many magnificent castles, the Upper Castle appears rather simple – almost like a large manor house. But its history dates back to 1504. At that time, Sebastian von Adelsheim, bailiff in Krautheim, had this building constructed with his wife Ursula von Rechberg.

The stone base extends to the first floor, above which towers a characteristic half-timbered upper floor. Originally, the upper castle was part of a larger fortification near the upper gate. This complex later disappeared along with the gate in the course of the city's expansion. However, the deep moat and the stream that still flows through it today give an idea of the former castle complex.

A special gem of the castle is the picturesque bay window on the street side. If you look closely, you will discover the "Wappenmännle" (coat of arms man) underneath it. The small figure sits with his legs apart under the bay window and holds a mighty shield. This shield combines four different coats of arms. This makes it a so-called alliance coat of arms. At the top left is the ibex horn of Sebastian von Adelsheim, next to it the leaping lions of his wife Ursula von Rechberg, and below it the coats of arms of her maternal ancestors.

The black and white striped gate leads to the picturesque inner courtyard. It is enclosed in a ring by the upper castle and its ancillary buildings. Despite its central location, the courtyard remains a place of tranquility, shielded from urban life. It has been largely preserved in its original form and conveys the flair of 16th-century aristocratic life.

Regardless of opening hours, you can take a look at the inner courtyard of the upper castle at any time by calling up the 360° panorama at this station.