Griesbach Castle

The first documented mention of Griesbach Castle dates back to 1076, likely as a foundation of the Counts of Vornbach. As early as 1078, the complex was destroyed by King Henry IV's army during the Investiture Controversy, as the Vornbachers supported the Pope. After their return from Hungarian exile around 1099, the castle was probably rebuilt and granted to the Lords of Griesbach-Waxenberg in the early 12th century, who later allodified the property. With the extinction of this family around 1220 and the prior extinction of the Vornbach Counts in 1158, as well as the powerlessness of the Counts of Andechs, the inheritance fell in 1241 to the Bavarian Count Palatine Rapoto II of Ortenburg, who developed the fortress into an administrative center. After a marriage, Griesbach passed to Hartmann I of Werdenberg in 1256, who sold it to Duke Heinrich XIII in 1260. The Duke established a ducal court and a treasury office. Between 1460 and 1478, expansions were carried out, including new defensive walls, towers, and gatehouses.