Lichtenstein Castle, Gothic Revival castle in Honau, Germany
Lichtenstein Castle is a château in Honau within the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The structure rises on a narrow rock ledge above the Echaz valley and features towers, battlements and a drawbridge in Gothic Revival style.
Count Wilhelm von Urach commissioned architect Carl Alexander Heideloff to build the present château between 1840 and 1842 on foundations dating from 1390. The Urach family has inhabited the property until today and opens it to visitors during most of the year.
The castle's name means "shining stone" or "bright stone". In the great hall hangs the coat of arms of the extinct lords of Lichtenstein, a silver eagle's wing on a blue ground. The most important works kept here are Michael Wolgemut's "Death of the Virgin Mary" and two altar panels by an unknown painter known as the "Master of Lichtenstein".
The château offers guided tours through the first and second floors during most of the year that provide insight into the living quarters and weapons collection. Visitors reach the entrance via a steep path from the parking area and should wear sturdy footwear.
Two paintings kept at the castle gave an unknown Gothic painter his emergency name: the "Master of Lichtenstein". The castle also holds "Death of the Virgin Mary" by Michael Wolgemut. A 1911 proposal to build a cableway up to the castle was rejected as it was thought it would spoil the view of the building.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,738 contributors worldwide.
