To be privately owned
CastleOchsenfurt-Erlach
Erlach Castle
The Erlach moated castle is located in the district of Erlach, part of the town of Ochsenfurt. It is a protected monument.
With Hartwig von Erlach, the name of the castle first appeared in 1151 on the water-rich plateau north of Ochsenfurt. Ownership then passed to Count Johann von Schwarzenberg. In the 14th century, a new building was erected in place of the original complex. In 1484, the Würzburg Prince-Bishop Rudolf II von Scherenberg granted the castle as a fief to his Röttingen bailiff Philipp von Seinsheim. During the Peasants' War, the castle was destroyed in 1525 and only rebuilt after 1545 by Christoph von Seinsheim. In the course of its history, it came into the possession of various Lower Franconian noble families, as did the population of the associated village. In the 19th century, the complex was finally sold for the symbolic price of one thaler to the Catholic Church, which initially used it as a school and teacher's residence and established a chapel in 1928.
Architectural Description+
The former moated castle, still recognizable today by a surrounding moat, has an octagonal floor plan. Two-story buildings, which have been altered several times over the centuries, surround an irregular castle courtyard with the square keep, built from ashlar blocks in the 14th century, which, at a total height of 32 meters, towers over the entire castle complex. The entrance gate with a basket arch is located on the north side. On the upper floor of the inner courtyard, a bay window stands out, its base supported by a pillar down to the ground. The year of construction 1545 can be read on the staircase. On the upper floor, the former knight's hall was later converted into a chapel. This is equipped with a remarkable Rococo interior from 1750.
Current Use+
Today, violins resonate in the historic rooms. For nine years, the violinist Florian Meierott has lived in this romantic setting. The Erlach moated castle offers an ideal practice environment for him and his master students, who come from all over the world.
Opening Hours+
Guided tours of the moated castle and the simultaneous church are possible upon request to Theo Michel, Tel. (0 93 31) 49 74.
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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: 49.7066, 10.0800