Abenberg Castle

The origins of Abenberg Castle date back to the 11th century, when an initial, predominantly wooden structure was built under Count Adalbert II. Between 1130 and 1140, Count Rapoto replaced this with one of Bavaria's largest stone castles. After the Abenberg noble family died out around 1200, the castle passed to the Hohenzollerns, then burgraves of Nuremberg, through marriage in 1236. They expanded the main castle and erected a castle gate, with the curtain wall from this period remaining the oldest preserved part to this day. In 1296, the castle was sold to the Prince-Bishopric of Eichstätt, which established an administrative office and reinforced the fortifications. After numerous alterations from the 15th to the 17th century, the complex gradually fell into disrepair and was sold for demolition by the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1806.