Katzenstein Castle

The first documented mention of the Lords of Cazzenstein dates back to 1099, when they appeared as vassals of the Counts of Dillingen. In 1262, the nobles of Hürnheim took possession of the castle and henceforth called themselves "von Katzenstein". Hermann von Hürnheim-Katzenstein sold the complex and its appurtenances. In 1354, ownership passed to the Counts of Oettingen, who pledged it to the Counts of Helfenstein. The latter, in turn, enfeoffed Berthold von Westerstetten with Katzenstein in 1382. After the extinction of the Katzenstein line of the Westerstetten family in 1572, the heirs sold the castle to their liege lord, the Count of Oettingen. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was set on fire by French troops in 1648.