Wirtemberg Castle

Wirtemberg Castle is the ruined ancestral hilltop castle of the rulers of Württemberg on the Württemberg mountain in a spur of Schurwald, located 411 m above sea level in the current municipality of Rotenberg in Stuttgart, between Bad Cannstatt and Esslingen am Neckar. Between 1080 and 1819 three castles with this name existed at the location.

First castle
The first castle was constructed in 1080 and is described as "Festive, with three surrounding walls, several buildings including an extensive stables, a courtyard and a stately manor." The castle's chapel was consecrated on February 7, 1083.

Conrad I, Count of Württemberg documented the castle May 2, 1092, signing as a witness. This is the oldest document featuring the name "Württemberg." From 1092 to 1495, the castle repeatedly served as the seat of power of numerous counts of Württemberg. 1311 saw the destruction of the castle under Emperor Henry VII.

Second castle
Reconstruction of the castle began in 1311, but it was smaller than the original burg. The second Burg burned down in 1519 when William IV, Duke of Bavaria occupied most of Württemberg.

Third castle


When the castle was destroyed yet again in 1519, Duke Ulrich rebuilt the castle for the third and last time. In 1819, the castle fell into ruin once again during the reign of William I.

Grave Chapel
In 1820–24, Mausoleum designed by Giovanni Salucci in Classical style replaced the Third Burg. It has been open to the public since 1907.

Etymology
The castle's name has changed numerous times over the centuries. Previous names include "Wirdeberch," "Werdenberc," and "Wirtinsberk." "Württemberg" became the official name when a survey of Württemberg dispatched by Napolean named the mountain as such. According to a local legend, another name for the castle is "Wirt am Berg."