Gelchsheim Castle

The "Veste Gelchsheim" was built by the Lords of Hohenlohe as a moated castle and first mentioned in a document in 1369. From 1401 to 1809, the castle was owned by the Teutonic Order. In 1525, the castle was destroyed in the German Peasants' War. In the mid-17th century, it was rebuilt as a three-wing complex. In 1809, the castle came into private ownership. From 1918-21, the castle was rebuilt in neo-baroque forms.

In 1971, Freia Rothe bought the castle, which had been vacant for 10 years, and established a home for wheelchair users there. The reason for this was an accident of Mrs. Rothe, during which she herself sat in a wheelchair for four years before she could walk again. Up to 40 permanent guests lived in the home for wheelchair users, cared for by over 16 employees. From 1998, due to her age and the economic situation, Mrs. Rothe considered selling the castle. Unfortunately, Mrs. Rothe could not find a suitable buyer who would continue the castle in her spirit. This led to a financially difficult situation. Due to the possibly impending sale of the castle, Mrs. Rothe no longer admitted new wheelchair users, which resulted in a decrease in income. Dr. Graf from Würzburg took advantage of this now precarious situation and wrested the castle from Mrs. Rothe far below its value.

Dr. Graf now operates a naturopathic clinic in the castle. However, this is viewed rather critically by the citizens of Gelchsheim, as Dr. Graf is said to be a member of the covenant community "New Jerusalem", which belongs to Universal Life (UL). The cult commissioner of the Diocese of Würzburg, Pastor Alfred Singer, said at an information event in Gelchsheim that it was known and confirmed by people who had left UL that Dr. Rainer Graf belongs to the "New Jerusalem covenant community", which took over responsibility for UL in 1996.