Alt-Lichtenstein Castle (Ruin)

The construction of Alt-Lichtenstein Castle is dated between 1150 and 1200, with Gebhard von Lichtenstein, a member of the Lichtensteiner noble family, considered the probable builder. The complex suffered two destructions: first in 1311 during the Imperial War against Count Eberhard I of Württemberg by Reutlingen troops, after which it was rebuilt in 1315. The second destruction occurred between 1377 and 1381 during the Swabian League War, again by the Imperial City of Reutlingen. After 1389, the dilapidated castle fell to Württemberg and was not rebuilt. Instead, a new castle was erected nearby around 1390, on the site where the current Lichtenstein Castle would later stand. The Lichtensteiner family died out in 1687. It was not until the 1990s that the remains of the castle were excavated.