Echteler Manor

The manor house of Oberschwappach is a former moated castle in the municipality of Knetzgau in the district of Haßberge in Lower Franconia, Bavaria.

The manor house was built in 1693 by the Counts of Bentheim.

The three-story main building with a hipped roof and two prominent corner towers with pointed helmets was built on the foundations of an older moated castle. The building is surrounded by a moat, which is fed by the Schwappach stream. The manor house served as the administrative center of the Bentheim estate and as a residence for the local nobility.

In the course of its history, the manor house changed hands several times. In the 18th century, it came into the possession of the Barons of Bibra, who carried out extensive renovations and extensions. Among other things, they added the baroque garden and the orangery.

In the 19th century, the manor house was acquired by the Princely House of Thurn und Taxis, who used it as a summer residence. During this time, the interior was redesigned in the style of historicism.

After the Second World War, the manor house served as a refugee camp and later as a retirement home. In the 1980s, it was acquired by a private investor and extensively renovated.

Today, the manor house of Oberschwappach is privately owned and is used for various events, such as weddings, conferences, and cultural events. Parts of the manor house are also open to the public for guided tours.

The manor house of Oberschwappach is an impressive example of Baroque architecture in Franconia. The main building with its two corner towers and the surrounding moat gives the complex a castle-like character.

The baroque garden with its geometrically arranged flowerbeds, fountains, and sculptures is also worth seeing. The orangery, which was built in the 18th century, is also part of the garden complex.

Interior

The interior of the manor house is characterized by a mix of Baroque, Rococo, and Historicism styles. The representative rooms, such as the ballroom and the dining room, are decorated with valuable frescoes, stucco work, and antique furniture.

The castle chapel, which is located in one of the corner towers, is also particularly noteworthy. It is decorated with an impressive altar and numerous sacred works of art.

Exterior

The exterior of the manor house is characterized by its plastered facade, which is structured by sandstone elements. The two corner towers with their pointed helmets give the building a distinctive silhouette.

The moat surrounding the manor house is crossed by a stone bridge, which leads to the main entrance. The bridge is adorned with statues of saints and coats of arms.