Hattsteiner Hof Manor (Münzenberg)

The "Hattsteiner Hof" refers to the spacious, on all sides enclosed manor complex of the former Solms-Laubach economic court, which was established in its current form at the beginning of the 19th century south of Münzenberg Castle. In this area, the accommodations for the provisional construction workers involved in building the castle were initially erected; later, the first merchants, craftsmen, and castle men probably settled there. The Altstädter Pforte (Old Town Gate), which served as a city gate within the fortification system, dates from this period. In the 12th century, the market and town were founded by Kuno von Münzenberg on the north side of his imposing castle complex, and the Old Town was abandoned. The inhabitants settled in the New Town, planned on a drawing board, with its elongated triangular market square, from which all streets radiated like the rays of the sun.

After the extinction of the Lords of Falkenstein in 1418, the Counts of Solms acquired a share of Münzenberg Castle and, as territorial lords, also held possessions and rights in the city. Their lordly status was also documented by the ownership of the manor with its extensive economic buildings, which border the entire Münzenberg complex. Even today, the entire "Hattsteiner Hof" complex, with its former economic buildings now largely used as residential buildings, is an impressive ensemble at the foot of the Staufer castle. However, a castle-like, two-story manor house from the mid-18th century catches the eye. The baroque-style manor house connects directly on the courtyard side to a building section with a round stair tower, which is attributed to the 16th century. The rear facade of this building section is enlivened by a bay-like projection from the Renaissance period.

The manor house bears the name "Hattsteiner Hof," which actually applies to the entire ensemble.

Source Text: Münzberg.de