Bartenstein Castle

The name Bartenstein consists of the Middle High German words barte and stein. They mean battle axe and rock. Two battle axes are still included in the Partenstein coat of arms today. The castle gave the village its name.

Bartenstein Castle was built around 1180 by the Counts of Rieneck on a mountain spur. The lords of the castle thus monitored the trade route from Lohr to the Wiesbütt crossroads. In addition, numerous glassworks were located nearby at least since the 14th century. The castle was the administrative center of the Partenstein office.

The village of Partenstein, whose first mention dates back to 1233, was built in the immediate vicinity.

In 1333, the castle fell to the Lords of Hanau; in 1339, it was divided between Hanau and Mainz. Its importance declined from this time on. In the 16th century, the Mainz bailiff already lived outside.

In 1633, the castle was conquered and destroyed in the Thirty Years' War. The castle subsequently fell into disrepair and was used as a quarry.

Since 2003, archaeological investigations of the ruin have taken place, the results of which are also presented on an information board on site. A castle festival is organized annually on site.