Landeck Castle

The exact construction date of Landeck Castle is unknown, but stylistic features suggest a period around 1200. It was first documented in 1237 during the division of the Leiningen estates, falling to Emich IV of Leiningen, who founded the Leiningen-Landeck line. By the mid-13th century, the complex became an imperial fief, jointly owned by the Counts of Zweibrücken and Leiningen. After the Leiningen-Landeck line died out in 1289/90, King Rudolf of Habsburg granted half of the castle to Otto III of Ochsenstein in 1290, while the other half remained with the Counts of Zweibrücken-Bitsch. From the 14th century onwards, Klingenmünster Abbey attempted to claim Landeck as its property. Concurrently, the Electors Palatine sought possession of the castle, acquiring the right of access in 1358/66. Due to internal conflicts and financial difficulties, another share fell to the Diocese of Speyer in 1405. Although the castle was expanded in the late 15th century, peasants captured and burned it during the Palatine Peasants' War in 1525. The damage was apparently repaired.