Wernstein Castle
Description
Wernstein Castle was built between 1362 and 1376 to replace a previous destroyed structure. It was first mentioned in a document when Heinrich von Künsberg endowed the chapel in Veitlahm with the provision that the local clergy should read weekly masses 'at Wernstein.' The castle has been continuously owned by the von Künsberg family since then. It was a fief of the Burggraves of Nuremberg, and the first recorded feudal letter dates back to January 20, 1395, when Ulrich von Künsberg was granted 'Wernstein the fortress and the enclosure' by Burggraf Johann III. In the 16th century, Hans Friedrich von Künsberg transformed the castle into a magnificent Renaissance palace. The castle suffered damage during the Thirty Years' War but was later repaired. Wernstein Castle is considered one of the most beautiful hilltop castles in the Franconian region. It is still inhabited by the descendants of its builders and is not open to the public for visits.