Schwalbach Castle

Construction of Burg Schwalbach began in 1368 under Count Eberhard V of Katzenelnbogen to secure the northeastern border of his territory. Although 1371 is cited as the completion year, this short construction period seems unlikely. In the same year, 1368, Emperor Charles IV granted the surrounding settlement town rights, which included permission to build fortifications and hold a weekly market. Nevertheless, the settlement did not develop into a city and was referred to as a “Flecken” (small market town) until the 18th century. In 1536, the castle fell to the House of Nassau. Following an inheritance division in 1594, Burgschwalbach and its associated administrative district were assigned to Count Wilhelm of Nassau-Weilburg, who made the castle his residence. His widow Erika used it as a dower seat until 1628 and initiated repairs. Until 1720, the structure served as a Nassau-Weilburg administrative office.