Steinsberg Castle

The first documented mention of Steinsberg dates to 1109, associated with Eberhard von Steinsberg, who likely belonged to the free noble Werinharde von Steinsberg family. This family, originally from the Murgtal and counts of the Elsenz district until approximately 1185, is considered the builder of the original castle complex. Around 1185, the castle passed to the Counts of Oettingen through an heiress. During the Interregnum, the Oettingers had the octagonal keep built around 1250/70. Financial difficulties led to the castle's transfer to the Palatine Counts Rudolf and Ludwig around 1310 and its pledging to the Counts of Hohenlohe in 1311. In 1329, Steinsberg fell to the Palatine Counts Rudolf and Ruprecht through the Treaty of Pavia.