Zabelstein Castle

Remains of walls suggest the castle was founded around the year 1000. The noble family of Zabelstein, considered the probable builders and owners, died out in 1303, after which the complex passed to the Diocese of Würzburg. Under the Würzburg Prince-Bishops, the castle developed into one of the strongest fortresses on the Main, serving as a secure location for important documents and the episcopal treasury, and was also used as a hunting and recreation residence. During the Palatine Peasants' War in 1525, the official residence was destroyed under Hans Jüst, but rebuilt in 1586 under Prince-Bishop Julius Echter. After the diocese moved its official seat to Traustadt in 1652, the castle served as a forestry office. A fire in 1689 led to its decay, and the ruin was subsequently used as a quarry.