Kalteneck Castle

A charming moated castle, a venue for concerts, cabaret, and family celebrations - this is how Kalteneck Castle presents itself today. But the old walls have also seen worse times in their long history. However, the history of the castle - like many old buildings - is partly shrouded in mystery.

It is certain that in Holzgerlingen - first mentioned in a document in 1007 - a "Bürgle" (small castle) already stood in the 11th century. What it looked like is not known. More precise information can be found by looking at the year 1362. In that year, the Gothic foundations were laid, on which the castle still stands today. But even they only allow us to guess what the castle might have looked like back then. The loopholes and the Dürnitz (heated hall) located on the ground floor suggest a defensive structure that could have served as a refuge for farmers in times of need and was constantly inhabited by the lords or bailiffs of Holzgerlingen.

There are also some question marks behind the owners of the castle. It is documented that it was acquired by Countess Elisabeth von Henneberg in 1363 and 18 years later - like all of Holzgerlingen - passed into the possession of the House of Württemberg. Later, the castle frequently changed hands. The chronology shows a total of 11 different owners for the 19th century. In the 20th century, the historic building primarily served residential purposes. To save it from decay, it was renovated in 1957 on the occasion of its 950th anniversary. In 1987, the castle became the property of the municipality for 1.75 million DM. Subsequently, it was rebuilt and renovated for 2 million Marks. Not everyone was enthusiastic about this investment at the time. But the gem has long since become a social and cultural center of the town.

The working group "Culture in the Castle" regularly invites to cabaret events. In addition, the castle hall is used for family celebrations on many weekends. And the upper floor is reserved for art exhibitions and civil weddings.