- Type
- Castle
- Origins
- 1840 · 19th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Style
- historicist architecture
- Commissioned by
- Wilhelm, Duke of Urach
- Architect
- Carl Alexander Heideloff, Johann Georg Rupp
- Coordinates
- 48.4066°, 9.2583°
History
The first stronghold of the lords of Lichtenstein, now known as Alt-Lichtenstein, stood about 500 m from the present castle and was wrecked in 1311 and again late in the 14th century in fighting with the townspeople of Reutlingen. Around 1390 a new, strongly fortified castle was built on the crag where today's building stands, but it gradually lost its importance and was used as a forester's house. In 1802 the ruins were pulled down and a ducal hunting lodge was built on their foundations. In 1826 Wilhelm Hauff published his historical novel Lichtenstein, which captivated Count Wilhelm of Württemberg, later Duke of Urach. He bought the site in 1837 and in 1840–1842 built a Romantic castle here to designs by Carl Alexander Heideloff, meant to house his collection of arms and works of art. It still belongs to the Dukes of Urach.
What to see
A bridge across a narrow chasm leads to the castle, and the courtyard and bastions offer views over the Echaz valley and the countryside around Reutlingen. Guided tours take in the Knights' Hall, a chapel with late Gothic panel paintings and ornate rooms in the Romantic spirit, and the collections include an armoury.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q155693
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