Hornberg Castle

The noble family of Sulz erected the complex in 1216 as a satellite castle to their ancestral Sulz Castle, aiming to secure the connecting road between Hall and Rothenburg. Shortly thereafter, Kirchberg Castle was built on the opposite side of the Jagst. All three complexes were considered Staufer imperial castles. In the 13th century, the castle's occupants named themselves "Lords of Hornberg" after the castle and served as Rothenburg imperial ministerials. The castle later passed through several owners until Albrecht von Hohenlohe-Uffenheim acquired it in 1339. From 1354, the Lords of Crailsheim were recorded as co-owners, becoming sole proprietors from 1504 and remaining so to this day. After partial destruction in the Peasants' War in 1525, it was rebuilt and converted into a Renaissance castle. During World War II in 1944/45, the castle suffered roof damage, which was quickly repaired by the owners after the war's end.