The remains of the Castle can be visited
RuinMichelau im Steigerwald-Hundelshausen
Zabelstein Castle
The Zabelstein castle ruin is the ruin of a hilltop castle on a 475-meter-high spur plateau of the northern Zabelstein in the unincorporated area of Hundelshausen near the municipality of Michelau im Steigerwald in the Lower Franconian district of Schweinfurt in Bavaria. Zabelstein Castle was once considered the safest and most powerful fortress in the Diocese of Würzburg, alongside the bishop's seat at Marienberg Fortress in Würzburg.
Wall remains indicate the castle's founding around 1000. The presumed builders and owners of the castle, the noble family of Zabelstein, blood relatives of the ministerial family of Scherenberg, died out in 1303, after which the castle fell to the Diocese of Würzburg. Under the rule of the Würzburg prince-bishops, the castle became one of the most powerful fortresses in the lands on the Main and served as a storage place for valuable documents and the episcopal treasure. The official residence was expanded and destroyed in 1525 during the Palatine Peasants' War under the leadership of Hans Jüest. For the bishops, the castle was not only a refuge but also served for hunting and recreation.
In 1586, the castle was rebuilt under Prince-Bishop Julius Echter. In 1652, the diocese moved its official residence to Traustadt, and the castle has since served as a forestry office for the Steigerwald.
After a fire destroyed the castle in 1689, it fell into disrepair and was used as a quarry, among other things for the church in Donnersdorf.
Current Use+
In 1999, a 19-meter-high observation tower was erected next to the ruin with views as far as the Rhön and Thuringia.
From Easter, a tavern with catering takes place in the castle ruin during the summer months.
Description+
The castle complex had an outer bailey, from which one reached the core castle via a neck ditch, which was secured by two round towers. In addition to the remains of the round towers, remains of castle cellars, minor wall remains, and castle moats are preserved.
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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: Reinhold Schulz
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 49.9480, 10.4464