Großheppach Castle

Großheppach Castle (also known as the Castle without a Name) is a 16th-century Renaissance castle. It is a landmark of the Remstal district of Großheppach in Weinstadt, Baden-Württemberg.

The first elements of the castle were built in 1592 by the Württemberg Chancellor Martin Eichmann from a burgher's house. In this first construction phase, the main building had a square floor plan. In addition, a defensive wall and two gatehouses were built. One of these included a prison, as at that time the lower jurisdiction lay with the owners. Both the defensive wall and the gatehouses have been preserved to this day, even if they have undergone various modifications. Their current state corresponds to the Biedermeier period.

In 1655, the second construction phase of the complex began. The main building now received a rectangular floor plan and was first depicted pictorially in a painting by Kieser in 1682.

The castle acquired its current form in 1750, when further side wings were added. At this time, various outbuildings were also erected.

In 1893, the fourth construction phase began, during which a final neo-Gothic extension was built, the staircase was constructed in neo-Gothic style, and the towers followed the historicist style. The old small stable was converted into a garden house, and a new three-story stable was erected.

After 1930, the complex was largely left to itself, and various buildings fell into disrepair.

From 1980, renovation began and continues to this day. The stable was renovated and converted into a residential building. The gatehouses and outbuildings were restored. The walls and roofs were repaired, and the buildings were equipped with heating. Monument protection was of utmost importance during this process. For example, care was taken to ensure that the bricks of the buildings consisted of original hand-drawn beaver tails from the corresponding period. In its current state, the complex is not yet fully renovated, but it no longer shows any major damage. The park's condition is based on an English park, meaning it is close to nature but well-maintained. This provides a retreat for many animals. Particularly noteworthy is the redwood tree within the park, which was planted at the same time as the redwoods of Stuttgart's Wilhelma.