Lierheim Castle

The castle's origins trace back to the noble lords of Lierheim, a knightly family that produced ecclesiastical dignitaries, including Otto von Lierheim as anti-bishop in Constance (1071–1086) and Hartwig von Lierheim, Bishop of Augsburg (1091). Their possessions were primarily concentrated along the lower course of the Eger in the Nördlinger Ries. Between 1381 and 1427, the Counts of Oettingen acquired the Lierheim lordship. Count Ludwig von Oettingen purchased the already ruinous castle in 1427. In 1454, Count Wilhelm von Oettingen sold the complex, including all accessories and serfs, to Amalie Erckinger von Mittelburg and her sons. This noble family from Treuchtlingen had the medieval castle rebuilt between 1579 and 1584, with parts featuring ashlar blocks still preserved today. In 1495, the estate passed to the Lords of Hürnheim-Hochaltingen, who sold the castle and village to the Imperial City of Nördlingen in 1541. A redesign took place from 1758 to 1762 under the German Order, who were the new owners.