Wachbach Castle

Wachbach Castle is a 16th-century castle complex in Wachbach, a district of Bad Mergentheim. It was built in place of the destroyed Wachbach Castle.

Beginnings

Between 1150 and 1250, the Lords of Hohenlohe built a castle in Wachbach, which was first mentioned in a document in 1325. The castle was also mentioned in documents in 1471 and 1523 – the year of its destruction by the troops of the Swabian League. After its destruction, like many other complexes, it was used as a quarry and almost completely demolished. Today, only parts of the moat and some stone remnants of the complex remain.

Destruction in 1523

In the middle of the 16th century, the robber knight Thomas von Absberg abducted merchants from imperial cities in Franconia and Swabia on their trade journeys and demanded a high ransom for their release. He had allies who supported him in his raids and hid him in their castles when there was a danger of capture. The Rüdt von Collenberg, then owners of the Wachbach castle complex, also supported him, hoping to replenish their dwindling fortunes a little. In 1523, the Swabian League finally sent its troops to raze 23 "robber's nests" to the ground, including Wachbach Castle. On June 14, they reached the complex and blew it up to prevent the return of the Collenbergs.

The Woodcut by Hans Wandereisen

The burning Wachbach Castle, surrounded by a moat, is the central image motif of Hans Wandereisen's woodcut. The fire is depicted as being so advanced that heavy roof beams are collapsing in the main building. Next to the main building, an outbuilding is still recognizable. The castle wall is interspersed with tower-like structures. A crenellated tower stands at the bridge, which forms the entrance to the castle. On the opposite bank is another building that protects the entrance. In the foreground of the picture, several buildings of the village can be seen; they are half-timbered houses, and the detailed fence constructions are also striking. Parts of the army of the Swabian League, noticeable only by their long-handled weapons, are shown hidden behind a building and behind a hill. The League's flag is also depicted.

The accompanying text reads: "V. Wachbach/not far from Bocksberg/belonged to Franz Rüden/was taken and burned by the League on the 14th day of June."

Renaissance Castle of the Lords of Adelsheim

Between 1588 and 1592, the Lords of Adelsheim had Michel Niklas build a Renaissance-style castle in Wachbach. The four-winged complex with round corner towers is currently for sale. Above the portal is the Adelsheim coat of arms.