Seinsheimer Castle

Marktbreit Castle (also Seinsheim Castle) is a former noble residence in Marktbreit, Lower Franconia, in the district of Kitzingen. It is located in the middle of the town on Schlossplatz.

The history of the castle in Marktbreit begins in 1580. In that year, Baron Georg Ludwig von Seinsheim built the complex. He probably employed Fugger architects from Augsburg as master builders. However, the castle was not inhabited by the builder but served as a residence for the Baron's wife. The Princes of Schwarzenberg, who succeeded the Lords of Seinsheim as village lords, then converted the building into a representative official residence. Its use as an administrative building was maintained even after the abolition of the smaller principalities through the mediatization of 1806. King Max I of Bavaria, to whom Marktbreit had now fallen, established the Marktbreit District Court in the castle. After a judicial reform, the Marktbreit Local Court was located here. It was dissolved in 1932. During the National Socialist era, the building served as a labor service camp from 1934 to 1945. After the war, the complex was used as a school building and public library. In addition, charitable institutions were housed there. At the end of the 20th century, the building underwent a general renovation. Today, parts of the ground floor and the cellar are rented to a restaurant. Marktbreit Castle is classified as a monument by the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation. In addition, the subterranean remains have been classified as an archaeological monument. Furthermore, the castle is part of the Marktbreit Old Town ensemble.