Hofburg Castle

Around 500 BC, a first rampart and ditch system was built on the Hofberg to protect a Celtic settlement. In 15 BC, the Romans built a castellum-like complex with a watchtower and surrounding wall. Around 476, the Bavarians settled the area, building a castle on the hill for the dukes of the Agilolfing dynasty. From 788, the castle served as a palatinate for the kings and emperors of the Carolingian dynasty. From 911, the castle was a property of the Saxon emperors. In 1007, ownership transferred to the Diocese of Bamberg, and in 1250 to the Bavarian dukes. In the 18th and 19th centuries, extensive renovations of the castle took place. Until 1800, the castle was the seat of a district court. In 1838, a regional court was re-established in the Pflegschloss.