Castle Neckarelz

The origins of Elz Castle, as it was once called, are not entirely clear, but it is presumed that a residential tower was built around 1200 in connection with the Palatinate of Wimpfen. A document from June 11, 1300, mentions the already existing settlement of the Knights Hospitaller. The order likely took over the complex at the end of the 13th century and expanded it into a hospital with a chapel. As early as 1350, the castle was sold to Engelhart von Hirschhorn. After further changes of ownership, including the Counts Palatine of Mosbach and the Electorate of the Palatinate, the complex was referred to as Tempelhaus from 1581. In 1705, the Catholics were granted the eastern part of the Tempelhaus as a church, which they occupied in 1707. Between 1731 and 1735, the entire first floor was converted into a church, which was consecrated to the Assumption of Mary in 1737. After World War II and an influx of refugees, a new Marienkirche was built in 1955.