Schloss Lichtenstein

Description

"Schloss Lichtenstein", a gothic revival structure, rises dramatically on a 817m escarpment in the Swabian Jura, overlooking the Echaz valley. Built 1840-1842 by architect Carl Alexander Heideloff for Count Wilhelm von Urach, it draws inspiration from Wilhelm Hauff's 1826 romantic novel, recreating medieval splendor on the ancient 1390 foundations. Its striking features include a tall keep, curtain walls, inner courtyard, and a later outer bailey with bastions and turrets.The site’s medieval roots trace to ~1100, when the Lords of Lichtenstein erected their first castle. Destroyed twice, once in 1311 amid imperial conflict and again by Reutlingen citizens around 1377, it was replaced in 1390 with a formidable late gothic fortress boasting early casemates.