Schloss Neidstein, Medieval château in Etzelwang, Germany.
Schloss Neidstein is a castle complex positioned on a hilltop in Upper Palatinate Bavaria, stretching across an elongated tract with an east gate and round tower. The property includes outbuildings and residential spaces that remain visible in their medieval layout today.
The castle was built in 1513 by Jobst Brand and later served as the seat of a Hofmark during the Palatinate-Sulzbach period from the 16th to 18th centuries. Following this era, it underwent various transformations in use and lost its original aristocratic function.
The castle walls feature carved stone reliefs from the 17th century by Georg Schweiger, depicting scenes from the Old Testament. These artworks shape the appearance of the complex and offer insight into the religious education traditions of that era.
The castle currently functions as a venue for workshops, seminars, and conferences, with various organizations like the Fraunhofer Society using its facilities. Visitors should check ahead to confirm whether the grounds are open for viewing or if private events are taking place.
The property encompasses around 165 hectares of forest and meadows within the Schergenbuck nature reserve and maintains archives dating back to the 16th century. These valuable documents record the region's history across centuries.
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