Ratzenhofen Castle

The first settlement of Ratzenhofen likely dates back approximately 3000 years. The first documented mention is proven in 1047, when Eberhard, a son of Count Babo of Abensberg, declared himself to Ratzenhofen. Through the Counts of Hals, the Ratzenhofen fortress came into the possession of the Dukes of Bavaria-Landshut in 1377. In addition to the main building of the actual fortress, there was also a granary, a prison, a tavern, and, above all, extensive stables for the horses of the administrator and the Duke with his retinue, who often stayed here overnight. Ratzenhofen was particularly popular with Dukes Ludwig and Georg. Around 1474, Duke Georg the Rich spent a large sum on renovations to the fortress. He even had his own rooms furnished. The following year, the newlywed Duke Georg with his wife Hedwig (Landshut Wedding) and his retinue stayed in Ratzenhofen. Between 1767 and 1771, the fortress was converted into a castle by Ignatz Josef von Kretz, a court paymaster, which still stands today. Through Gengolt von Cottel, an officer of Napoleon, who married Miss von Kretz in 1787, the castle came into the possession of the Zierer family in 1918, via the Zieglmaier, Stampfl, and Heindl families.