Mägdeberg Castle

The Reichenau Abbey founded Mägdeberg Castle around 1235, expanding an existing chapel and the mountain into a defensive complex between 1235 and 1240. The castle was first documented in 1240. From 1337, the ministerial family von Dettingen resided here and took possession of the castle as collateral around 1343. The Counts of Württemberg and the Dukes of Austria also showed interest, aiming to expand their power in the Hegau. In 1358, Abbot Eberhard von Brandis sold the castle to the Habsburgs. Only a few months later, in 1359, the Counts Ulrich IV and Eberhard II of Württemberg acquired the castle, leading to a dual ownership. However, the Württembergers were quicker to establish themselves in the castle. In 1378, during a feud, Mägdeberg Castle was besieged, plundered, and razed by troops of the Upper Swabian League of Cities. After more than a hundred years of decay, Count Eberhard im Bart had the castle rebuilt in 1479. This led to conflicts with Austria, which invoked the invalid sale of 1359. Following a siege, the castle passed to Austria around 1480/81. In 1485, the ruin was rebuilt and fortified at the expense of the Archduke of Austria. After its completion around 1500, it was granted as a pledge and fief. In 1525, during the German Peasants' War, the castle was occupied by peasants but not destroyed. In 1528, it became a fief of the Lords of Reischach.