Wiesenthau Castle

Wiesenthau Castle is located on the northeastern edge of the municipality of the same name, at the foot of the Ehrenbürg. The Renaissance building is a three-winged complex with four corner towers from the mid-16th century. Remains of an enclosing wall are also present.

The place was first mentioned in a document in 1062 in connection with the royal court in Forchheim. The Lords of Wiesenthau are documented as Bamberger ministerials since 1128. Whether a castle already existed at this time is not clear. The castle itself was first mentioned in a document in 1379.

Originally the free property of the Lords of Wiesenthau, a part of the castle was sold to the Prince-Bishopric of Bamberg on June 25, 1379. In the following period, the castle came completely under Bamberg's feudal sovereignty. The Lords of Wiesenthau remained in possession of the castle as Bamberg's vassals.

In 1430, the castle was severely damaged by the Hussites. Further destruction occurred during the Peasants' War in 1525. The castle underwent a fundamental reconstruction in 1566. Apart from a short period, the complex or at least a part of it remained in the possession of this family until the extinction of the Lords of Wiesenthau in 1814.

After extensive renovation between 1985 and 1992, the complex is now used as an inn and hotel.