Heuchlingen Castle

The origins of Heuchlingen Castle date back to the 12th century, when it was probably built as a fortress. In 1222, it was first mentioned in documents as a noble castle seat. Early owners included the Lords of Huchelheim; later, the complex was divided into several parts, including the Imperial Abbey of Ellwangen and the Lords of Goltstein, whose possessions passed to the Greck von Kochendorf in the 14th century. In the Urban War of 1449, the castle was burned down by citizens of Wimpfen. The Teutonic Order acquired parts of the castle in 1484, renovated it, and established an office there. Another destruction occurred in 1525 during the Peasants' War. Under Grand Master Walther von Cronberg, reconstruction in the Renaissance style began in 1530. The castle received its current baroque form in the late 18th century through renovations under Grand Master Karl Alexander of Lorraine and the master builders Georg Philipp Wenger and Johann Hornstein.