Middle Castle Kleinbottwar

Schloss Warthausen, majestically situated on a hill above the the Riss valley, is a historical treasure with a rich and eventful past. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, but the current appearance of the castle is primarily shaped by later construction phases.

The first documented mention of a castle in Warthausen dates back to the 12th century. At that time, it was a medieval fortress that served to protect the surrounding area. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands multiple times and was repeatedly rebuilt and expanded.

A significant turning point in the history of Schloss Warthausen was the 16th century. In the years 1541-43, the castle was rebuilt into a Renaissance palace under the ownership of the Lords of Freyberg. This construction phase gave the castle its characteristic four-wing layout and the impressive inner courtyard.

During the Thirty Years' War, Schloss Warthausen suffered severe damage and was largely destroyed. However, it was rebuilt in 1663 and restored to its former glory. In 1749, an expansion and renovation took place, which gave the castle its present Baroque appearance.

In the 18th century, Schloss Warthausen became a cultural center and a meeting place for important personalities of the Enlightenment. Under the ownership of Count Anton Heinrich Friedrich von Stadion, the castle experienced a period of great prosperity. Count Stadion was a patron of the arts and sciences and maintained an extensive library in the castle.

One of the most famous guests of Schloss Warthausen was the poet Friedrich Schiller, who spent several weeks there in 1793. During his stay, Schiller worked on his drama "Wallenstein" and was inspired by the picturesque surroundings of the castle.

Today, Schloss Warthausen is privately owned and is not open to the public. However, the castle can be admired from the outside and is a popular destination for walks and bike rides. The impressive architecture and the historical significance of the castle make it a unique monument of Upper Swabian history.

Special Features and Architecture

• The castle has a four-wing layout with an inner courtyard.
• The facades are decorated with Renaissance and Baroque elements.
• The castle chapel contains valuable frescoes from the 17th century.
• The castle park, laid out in the English style, invites you to stroll.

Events and Exhibitions

Although the castle is not open to the public, there are occasional events and exhibitions in the castle park or in the immediate vicinity of the castle. Information about current events can be found on the website of the municipality of Warthausen.