Baden Castle

Archaeological finds on the castle hill confirm settlement as early as before 1122. The Romans are said to have built a fort here to protect Aqua Villa, which was later followed by a hilltop castle of the Alamanni, subsequently taken over by the Franks. From 1122, the castle was owned by the Zähringer, who used it to protect their silver mining. In 1147, it passed to the Welfs as a dowry, in 1157 to the Staufer through exchange, and in 1268 as an inheritance to the Counts of Freiburg. Through marriage, the castle came into the possession of the Counts of Strassberg in 1303. In the 14th century, due to constant disputes with neighboring lordships, the outer fortifications were strengthened. After further changes of ownership, including to the Princely House of Fürstenberg and the Habsburgs, the castle was damaged in 1409 by soldiers of the Prince-Bishop of Basel but was rebuilt.