Schwarzenberg Castle

Schwarzenburg, originally called Schwarzenberg, was probably built between 1122 and 1136. Its builder was Conrad von Waldkilcha, who from 1136 referred to himself as "de suarcinberc" and thus founded the noble family of Schwarzenberg. The castle likely served as a refuge and protective fortress, possibly also to demonstrate the Schwarzenbergs' position of power as a free noble family. In contrast to Waldkirch and the later Kastelburg, Schwarzenburg was not an Austrian fief, but property of the Schwarzenbergs. In 1195, Konrad von Schwarzenberg sold Runstal to Salem Abbey. With the death of the last male descendant, Vogt Konrad (IV), around 1213, the estates passed to his sister Adelheid. In 1270, Johann and his nephew Wilhelm took over the rule and from then on called themselves von Schwarzenberg. They granted Waldkirch town rights in 1300. In 1315, the dominion was divided, with Wilhelm remaining at Schwarzenburg. The Schwarzenberg line died out in 1347 with castellan Ulrich II, whereupon Johann III of the Kastelberg line reunited the dominion.