Petzenschloss, Medieval castle in Lichtenhof, Germany
Petzenschloss is a castle in Lichtenhof, Nuremberg, featuring a rectangular sandstone main building with four corner towers topped by pyramid roofs and a central saddle roof. The structure is surrounded by several timber-framed outbuildings that together create a complete estate complex.
The castle was built in 1578 by merchant Valentin Schönborn and took its name when his daughter married Pius Petz, whose family has owned it ever since. This continuous family ownership has preserved the estate as an important example of Nuremberg residential architecture.
The building displays the traditional Nuremberg Weiherhaus style with its substantial sandstone main structure surrounded by timber-framed outbuildings arranged around a courtyard. This architectural approach shaped how prosperous merchant families in the region designed their homes and estates.
The castle is located at Wirthstrasse 76 in Nuremberg near the Gustav Adolf Church in a residential neighborhood. Public transportation connects to the area, making it accessible for visitors exploring the local architecture.
During the Thirty Years War in 1632, the castle served as the military headquarters of Swedish King Gustav Adolf as he defended against imperial forces. Traces of this military episode remain visible in damage to the structure.
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