Giechburg Castle

The settlement of the Giechburg plateau can be traced back to the Neolithic period, with the Celtic era experiencing intensive use. The medieval castle was probably built in the 10th century under the Counts of Schweinfurt to protect the region from Hungarian invasions. Its first documented mention occurred in 1125. After a succession dispute in the 13th century, the castle came into the possession of the Counts of Truhendingen and later, in 1390, to the Prince-Bishopric of Bamberg. Under the Bamberg bishops, Giechburg was extensively expanded and served as a haven for the cathedral treasure during the Hussite Wars. During the Peasants' War of 1525, the castle was briefly captured and set on fire, but without major damage. More severe was the looting and destruction in 1553 by the troops of Margrave Albrecht Alcibiades.