Zollernschloss, Medieval castle in Balingen, Germany
Zollernschloss is a castle in Balingen comprising three main buildings: a round water tower, the principal structure with a half-hipped roof, and the Reiterhaus with a gabled roof. The complex blends medieval foundations with later additions to create a multi-purpose site.
The castle's foundation walls date to 1255, and in 1403 it was sold to Württemberg. Following this transfer, it served as a residence for high-ranking regional officials.
The castle now houses the Museum of Scales and Weights, displaying one of the largest collections of measuring instruments spanning multiple historical periods. Visitors can trace how people developed different tools to measure goods and weight across the centuries.
The castle is accessible to explore, and you can visit old prison cells in the water tower to see medieval life up close. Part of the Reiterhaus section operates as a youth hostel, so certain areas may sometimes have limited access.
During the 1935 reconstruction, builders intentionally incorporated original materials from the demolished structure into the new design. This created an interesting mix of authentic medieval stones blended with modern craftsmanship.
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