Mainberg Castle

The origins of Mainberg Castle date back to the 10th century when a protective tower, still standing today, was erected. The complex was first documented in 1245 as property of the Counts of Wildberg. From 1305, the estate passed to the Counts of Henneberg-Schleusingen. A significant expansion took place between 1480 and 1486 by Duchess Margarethe of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel, widow of Count Wilhelm III, who had the castle extended by the Heidelberg master builder Philipp von Hoestätt to serve as her widow's residence. At that time, it was the second-largest seat of power in Mainfranken, after Marienberg Fortress in Würzburg. During the Peasants' War in 1525, the castle suffered partial damage. In 1542, it changed hands from the Hennebergers to the Bishop of Würzburg as part of an exchange. Following secularization, numerous changes of ownership occurred.