Alerheim Castle

The origins of the complex date back to the 12th century, when it was presumably built by the Lords of Alerheim and first documented in 1147. In 1235, Emperor Frederick II held his rebellious son, King Henry (VII), captive here. The castle changed hands multiple times, including the Counts of Truhendingen, the Counts of Öttingen, and the Prince-Bishopric of Eichstätt. From 1444 to 1484, it belonged to the Imperial City of Nördlingen before being sold to Bavaria-Landshut. In the mid-16th century, it returned to the House of Öttingen (Oettingen-Wallerstein) and was expanded into a castle.