Rauheneck Castle

The origins of Rauheneck Castle date back to the late 12th century, around 1180, when, according to legend, it was built by the displaced Brambergers after the destruction of their castle. The family adopted the name of the new castle. In 1231, Ludwig von Ruheneke placed half of the castle and other possessions under the feudal suzerainty of the Diocese of Würzburg. The Rauheneck family died out around 1250. The Diocese of Würzburg subsequently staffed the castle with bailiffs and castellans. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Marschalk von Rauheneck served as Würzburg vassals at the castle and invested in its expansion. After the Marschalk family died out in 1550, the castle reverted to the Diocese of Würzburg. During the Thirty Years' War, Rauheneck served as a military base and was occupied by Swedish troops in 1633/34.