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 Abenberg
Abenberg Castle |
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Abenberg castle was built of wood and clay bricks on a hill above the city of Abenberg in the early 11th century. First owners were the Earls of Abenberg, first mentioned around 1020. The Earls of Abenberg had a very significant influence in Franconia being the protecting reeves of the emperor and the bishops of Bamberg. In the first half of the 12th century during the era of Earl Rapoto I the wooden building probably was replaced by a solid castle made of stone.
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Around 1200 after the last Earl of Abenberg finally had died the Hohenzollern – the Earls of Nuernberg – took possession of Abenberg castle. The new owners began to extend the castle complex between 1230 and 1250. In the year 1296 the castle was sold to the bishop of Eichstaett. During the regency of the bishops of Eichstaett once again Abenberg castle was extended and renovated.
Today Abenberg castle is accommodating the "House of Frankish history” and the German Lace-Making Museum.
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Local history of Abenberg |
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During the regency of Emperor Heinrich II (1002 to 1024) an earldom forms here at the crossroad of ancient trade routes.
In 1071 Abenberg is proved by documents as "Abinberch”.
From 1072 to 1200 the Earls of Abenberg are protecting reeves of Bamberg and the monasteries of Banz and of Theres.
From 1189 to 1190 Earl Friedrich II fights side by side with the legendary emperor Barbarossa in the third crusade; he dies around 1200. With his death the lineage of the Earls of Abenberg becomes extinct.
In 1296 Abenberg castle and Abenberg city become parts of the diocese of Eichstaett. At the time Abenberg receives a new city wall with gates and towers and in the year 1299 finally receives municipal rights.
In the year 1806 Abenberg finally joined the kingdom of Bavaria.
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