Wernfels Castle

The oldest part of Wernfels Castle, a large residential building, is dated to the second half of the 13th century based on early Gothic architectural forms and a dendrochronologically dated wooden post from around 1270/80. The castle was first indirectly mentioned in 1283 when Albert II. “dictus Rindesmul de Werdenfels” was named. The imperial ministeriales Rindsmaul are considered the likely builders. In 1284, Albertus dictus Rindesmul senior sold the castle to Prince-Bishop Reinboto of Eichstätt. The prince-bishops expanded the complex in the 14th and 15th centuries by surrounding the core building with a curtain wall and a gate tower. Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen had the main building renovated internally around 1600, with wooden ceilings and window frames dating from this period.