Horneck Castle

The origins of Horneck Castle are not fully clear, but a mention of a Ludovicus de Horneck in 1238 suggests the Lords of Horneck as possible founders around 1200. Around 1250, Konrad von Horneck transferred the castle to the Teutonic Order and joined it, subsequently becoming the commander of the newly established Horneck commandry. The Teutonic Order extensively expanded and fortified the complex. In 1294, the Order acquired the remaining part of Gundelsheim. In the mid-14th century, old Gundelsheim was abandoned and rebuilt directly below the castle as a bailey, at which point the settlement received town rights. From 1438, after the loss of the Battle of Tannenberg, Horneck Castle became the nominal main residence of the Deutschmeister.