Schloss Fürstenstein, Mountain castle in Berchtesgaden, Germany.
Schloss Furstenstein is a three-story building with a gabled roof located at the end of Kalbersteig road in Berchtesgaden. Its exterior features classical plaster details and architectural proportions typical of 18th century Central European residential castles.
The castle was built in 1758 by Prince-Provost Michael Balthasar von Christalnigg and given to the Augustinian canons of Berchtesgaden in 1768. Following the secularization of Bavaria in 1803, it began serving different purposes that affected the town's growth and development.
The chapel inside features Rococo plasterwork and paintings that reflect local artistic traditions of the 1700s and remain visible today. This religious decoration shows how the castle served as a residence for church officials in the region.
The castle sits along Kalbersteig road, easily reached on foot or by car from central Berchtesgaden, making it convenient to visit while exploring the valley. Today it functions as holiday rental apartments, so interior access is limited, but the exterior architecture and surroundings are visible from public pathways.
After secularization, the castle became home to Berchtesgaden's first pharmacy, established by Michael Pirngruber in 1803 and representing a turning point in the valley's medical care. This detail connects the building's history to everyday life and shows how structures take on new roles in society.
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