Entenstein Castle

Entenstein Castle is a moated castle in the center of Schliengen, in the Lörrach district in Baden-Württemberg.

The origins of the castle cannot be dated back with certainty. The first use of a building at this location dates back to Walter von Schliengen in 821. Use of the residential tower may have been possible as early as around the year 1000. In the 13th century, Rudolf von Üsenberg (1207–1231) is considered the owner of Entenstein. In 1525, the complex was expanded into a castle by the Nagel von der Alten Schönstein family. In 1725, the castle was purchased by the Prince-Bishop of Basel, Johann Konrad II von Reinach-Hirtzbach, and used as the seat of the Schliengen bailiwick of the Prince-Bishopric of Basel. In 1805, the castle became the seat of a district office of the state of Baden. After 1857, further renovations were carried out by the Counts of Andlau. The last owner from the Andlau family, Count Oktav von Andlau, died in 1961 and bequeathed the castle to the Jesuit order, who, however, had no use for the building.

The municipality of Schliengen initially leased the castle and moved part of the municipal administration there. In 1965, central heating was installed. In 1970, the castle, including its park and chancellery building, was acquired and renovated by the municipality of Schliengen. Initially, the overgrown castle park was restored and made accessible to the public. In 1975, the exterior of the castle was completely renovated and the attic was converted. The moat had been filled in around 1850, and a discussion began about its restoration, which then took place. For this, a 200-meter long supply line from the Maucherner Bach had to be built. Employees of the support association participated in the excavation of the moat. To protect the building from water damage, a concrete wall was placed in front of the foundation walls. The financing of the entire renovation was secured by funds from a stimulus program, monument preservation, and the support association.