New Castle Hemau

The origins of the site date back to the 12th century, when the Counts of Hirschberg erected a castle in Hemau. This served as a seat of power and to monitor the trade route between Regensburg and Nuremberg. After the Hirschbergs died out, Hemau fell to Duke Ludwig II, although Prüfening Abbey and the Diocese of Bamberg were the actual landowners. In 1305, the Wittelsbachs were enfeoffed by the bishop with the town and the surrounding Tangrintl. The original Romanesque castle, located west of the parish church, was a smaller complex with a keep. A tower, which also served as a prison, was partially demolished around 1797 and completely removed by 1804.