Wirtemberg Castle, a ruined hilltop castle, is the second family seat of the House of Württemberg, whose ancestors had abandoned Beutelsbach Castle (also known as "Kappelberg Castle"). Built on the eponymous Württemberg mountain in a spur of the Schurwald around 411 m (1,348 ft) above sea level, it is located in the current municipality of Rotenberg in Stuttgart, between Bad Cannstatt and Esslingen am Neckar. Between 1080 and 1819, three castles with this name existed in the area.[1]
Castle Wirtemberg | |
|---|---|
Burgruine Wirtemberg | |
| Mount Württemberg Near Rotenberg (Stuttgart) in Germany | |
 Wirtemberg Castle before 1819 (painting by Franz Xaver Odo Müller) | |
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  Castle Wirtemberg  Castle Wirtemberg | |
| Coordinates | 48°46′55.47″N 9°16′7.23″E / 48.7820750°N 9.2686750°E |
| Type | Burg (Castle) |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1080 |
| In use | 1080 to 1819 |
History edit
First castle edit
The first castle was constructed in 1080 and has been described as "fortification with three surrounding walls, several buildings including extensive stables, a courtyard and a stately manor."[citation needed] The castle's chapel was consecrated on February 7, 1083.[1]
Conrad I, Count of Württemberg documented the castle on May 2, 1092, signing as a witness. This is the oldest document featuring the name "Württemberg."[2] From 1092 to 1495, the castle repeatedly served as the family seat of numerous counts of Württemberg. 1311 saw the first destruction of the castle by the forces of the neighboring Free imperial cities under Emperor Henry VII.[1]
Second castle edit
Reconstruction of the castle began in 1311, although in smaller dimensions than the original castle.[1] The second castle was burned down in 1519 when the forces of the Swabian League under the command of William IV, Duke of Bavaria occupied most of Württemberg.
Third castle edit
After the destruction of 1519, Duke Ulrich rebuilt the castle for the third and last time.[1] Wirtemberg Castle was eventually dismantled in 1819 during the reign of William I after several hundreds years of neglect it had fallen into ruins.
Grave chapel edit
From 1820 to 1824, Wilhelm I. had the Württemberg Mausoleum erected for his deceased wife Katharina at the site of the dismantled third castle.[1] Designed by Giovanni Salucci in neoclassical style it has been open to the public since 1907.
Etymology edit
The spelling of the castle's name has changed numerous times over the centuries. Previous names include Wirdeberch, Werdenberc, and Wirtinsberk.[citation needed] "Württemberg" became official after the establishment of the Kingdom of Württemberg under Napoleon.[citation needed] The humorous wordplay "Wirt am Berg" has been in common use to this day.[1]
Gallery edit
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Burg Württemberg before 1819 (painting by Franz Xaver Odo Müller) -
Chapel on the Württemberg -
Transport of the body of Wilhelm I to the chapel on the Württemberg in the early morning hours of 30 June 1864
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g "Der Wirtemberg in Rotenberg bei Untertürkheim". Wirtemberg.de. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
- ^ "Der Name Wirtenberg / Wirtemberg in der Geschichte". wirtemberg.de (in German). Untertürkheim. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
Further reading edit
- Albrecht Greule: Keltische Ortsnamen in Baden-Württemberg. Wir können alles – außer Latein. In: Archäologisches Landesmuseum Baden-Württemberg, Imperium Romanum. Roms Provinzen an Neckar, Rhein und Donau. catalogue. Esslingen 2005, ISBN 3-8062-1945-1, pp. 80–84