Honhardt Castle

The origins of Honhardt date back to the 8th century, with the first documented mention in 1024. Around this time, an initial fortification likely emerged, consisting merely of a keep and a palisade fence. This was expanded into a castle with a main house, curtain wall, battlements, moat, and drawbridge. Honhardt was initially a location within the Lordship of Lohr, briefly passed into the possession of the Counts of Oettingen around 1300, before becoming Hohenlohe territory in 1314. At the end of the 14th century, Ulrich von Hohenlohe sold the feudal sovereignty to Brandenburg-Ansbach and the town to the imperial cities of Hall, Dinkelsbühl, and Rothenburg. From 1399, Honhardt belonged entirely to the imperial city of Hall, which passed it on to patrician families. In 1413, the Lords of Bebenburg acquired the castle.