Auersburg Castle (Ruin) (Hilders)

The origins of Auersburg date back a long way, although it was first documented in 1214. Around 914, the area came into the possession of Regenher von Weid, who presumably built the first castle. Around 1120, a new construction or renovation in the style of a small knight's castle took place, probably by the Hennebergs. The castle's history was turbulent, as it was located in a border area of rivaling lordships. In 1214, Fulda Abbey acquired the complex, which it later granted as a fief to the Lords of Tann. In 1290, Auersburg came into Würzburg's possession, but around 1325, it returned to the Hennebergs through purchase. Nevertheless, the castle gradually fell into disrepair until Bishop Otto II von Wolfskeel bought it back in 1342 and made Hilders the administrative seat. In 1354, Prince-Bishop Albrecht II von Hohenlohe had the dilapidated castle rebuilt as an official residence. In 1419, the castle was pledged to the brothers of Eberstein and the Lords of Tann, which led to disputes in 1477. During the Palatine Peasants' War in 1525, passing peasants set fire to and destroyed the interior buildings.