Burg Calw, Medieval hilltop castle ruins in Calw, Germany
Burg Calw is a medieval castle structure on a steep hilltop overlooking the Nagold Valley, originally protected by double walls and four towers including the Kesselturm and Pfaffenturm. The former fortress grounds are now occupied by the Calw Police Department, housed in a military administration building constructed in 1878.
The Counts of Calw built this fortress in the 11th century as their seat of power, with the dynasty ending around 1260. After the noble line died out, the castle lost its original purpose and was repurposed for other uses.
The castle's name comes from the Old High German word 'chalo', meaning bare mountain, which reflects its exposed hilltop location. Visitors can still sense this elevated position that makes the ruins command views over the valley below.
Access to the castle grounds is limited since the site serves as the Calw Police Department headquarters and is not open to the public. Visitors should view the location from outside or check with local tourism offices about any possible access conditions.
In 1601, the architect Heinrich Schickhardt drew plans for a palace that would have surpassed Stuttgart Castle in size, intended to replace the fortress. Construction began but halted in 1608, leaving this ambitious scheme unrealized.
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