Manegg Castle, Castle ruin in Leimbach, Zürich, Switzerland

Manegg Castle is a medieval ruin perched on the eastern slopes of the Albis range, overlooking the Zürich valley. The stone foundations and wall fragments that remain reveal the castle's original footprint and structure.

The castle was first documented in 1303, but its builders are unknown. It served for over a century as the seat of the Manesse family, who were originally merchants and rose to knighthood. In 1393 it was sold at public auction, and in 1400 it passed to Selnau Abbey. A fire in 1409, allegedly started during a Carnival mock siege on Ash Wednesday, left it uninhabited; large wall remains survived until the 17th century.

The Manesse family, who held the castle for over a century, commissioned the Codex Manesse around 1300; this collection of Middle High German songs is the most important source of medieval Minnesang. The name relationship between family and castle is unresolved. A memorial plaque at the Manessebrunnen fountain in the former moat commemorates Rüdiger Manesse the Elder.

The ruins sit along a hiking route in the Leimbachtal area and are accessible on foot through local paths. Sturdy footwear is advisable, as the terrain is uneven and paths may be muddy after rain.

Today only foundation stones and scattered wall fragments remain visible, a stark reminder of how completely the castle has disappeared over centuries. This minimal remnant emphasizes how quickly even important noble residences can vanish without active care.