Neudenau Castle

Neudenau Castle, built from the 13th century onwards, was the seat of the Mainz Cellarer until 1802, a schoolhouse from 1872 to 1961 after its purchase by the city, and has also been a museum from 1933 to the present day.

From the Imperial Castle to the Mainz Cellarer's Seat

The castle was built in the 13th century as an imperial castle to secure the imperial road from Heilbronn to Wimpfen. The first documentary mention dates back to 1236. In 1303, Emperor Albrecht I pledged the castle to the Lords of Weinsberg. After several changes of ownership, the castle came into the possession of the Electorate of Mainz in 1362 and served as the seat of the Mainz Cellarer until 1802.

From Schoolhouse to Museum

After the secularization of the Electorate of Mainz in 1802, the castle became property of the Grand Duchy of Baden. In 1872, the city of Neudenau acquired the castle and used it as a schoolhouse until 1961. In 1933, the local history museum was established in parts of the castle, which still exists today.

The castle is a complex of buildings consisting of a main castle and an outer bailey. The main castle is a rectangular building with a keep and a residential wing. The outer bailey contains various utility buildings and a chapel. Over the centuries, the castle has been repeatedly rebuilt and expanded, so that today it presents itself as a mixture of different architectural styles.

Today, Neudenau Castle houses the local history museum, which presents the history of the city and the region. Various events such as concerts, exhibitions and lectures also take place regularly in the castle. The castle is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.