Boos Castle

Fugger Castle Kirchheim/Schwaben is one of themost important Renaissance castles in southern Germany. It was built by Jakob Fugger "the Rich" (1459-1525), who acquired the Kirchheim lordship in 1518. His nephew Anton Fugger (1499-1560) began construction of the castle in 1530. The castle was completed in 1538 under his direction. It served as the administrative center of the Fugger lordship of Kirchheim and as a residence for the Fugger family.

In 1679 and 1716, the castle underwent significant renovations and expansions. These included the addition of a new wing, the Baroque redesign of some interiors, and the creation of a castle garden. The Fugger family owned the castle until 1878, when it was sold to the Kingdom of Bavaria. Since then, it has been used for various purposes, including as a district court, a forestry office, and a school.

Fugger Castle is a four-winged complex with a rectangular courtyard. The main building is a three-story structure with a saddle roof. The facades are adorned with rich Renaissance ornamentation, including bay windows, gables, and sgraffito decorations. The castle chapel, located in the east wing, is a masterpiece of early Renaissance art. It features a magnificent altar, frescoes, and stained glass windows.

The interior of the castle is equally impressive. The Golden Hall, located on the first floor, is a lavishly decorated ceremonial hall with a coffered ceiling, a large fireplace, and portraits of the Fugger family. The castle also houses a valuable collection of furniture, tapestries, and works of art from various epochs.

Today, Fugger Castle is owned by the Free State of Bavaria and is used as a venue for cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions. Parts of the castle are also open to the public for guided tours. Visitors can explore the Golden Hall, the castle chapel, and other historical rooms. The castle garden, with its old trees and sculptures, is also open to the public and invites visitors to linger.

The castle is easily accessible by car and public transport. There is ample parking available on site. The castle is also wheelchair accessible, with ramps and an elevator providing access to most areas.

Fugger Castle regularly hosts special exhibitions on various topics, including the history of the Fugger family, Renaissance art, and regional history. In addition, the castle is a popular venue for concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events. A detailed calendar of events can be found on the castle's website.

One of the highlights of the annual event calendar is the "Fugger Castle Festival," which takes place every summer. The festival offers a diverse program of music, dance, and historical reenactments, transporting visitors back to the Renaissance era.

Fugger Castle is situated in the picturesque landscape of Bavarian Swabia, surrounded by forests and meadows. The nearby town of Kirchheim offers a charming old town with historic buildings, traditional inns, and local shops. Other tourist attractions in the area include the Benedictine monastery of Ottobeuren, the historic city of Memmingen, and the scenic Allgäu region.

Visitors can also explore the numerous hiking and cycling trails in the surroundings of the castle, enjoying the beautiful nature and fresh air. The region is also known for its culinary delights, with many restaurants offering traditional Bavarian cuisine and local specialties.