Weinheim, the town of two castles, located between the ruins of Windeck Castle and Wachenburg Castle, also boasts an enchanting castle with beautiful grounds. This former castle is located right in the old town and is composed of various architectural styles from different eras. The passageway through the mighty Obertor gate is one of the oldest structures, dating from around 1400. In the Middle Ages, there were two noble courtyards belonging to the Swende family to the left and right of the Obertor gate. The Obertor gate was once equipped with a drawbridge and gate. It lost its defensive character when it was rebuilt at the end of the 17th century. The noble courtyard to the left of the Obertor had been owned by the Ulner von Dieburg family since the 16th century. In 1725, the Baroque-style building that still stands today was erected and, from 1780 onwards, modified in the Classicist style. In 1837, Countess Waldner von Freudenstein acquired this part for her eldest son, Baron Christian von Berckheim. As early as 1423, the Palatinate counts acquired the Adelshof to the right of the Obertor and built a castle in the Renaissance style. For this reason, the Weinheim Castle is divided into a Baroque part and a Renaissance building in terms of architectural history. Members of the electoral families, such as Oltheinrich, Johann Wilhelm and his wife Anna Maria Luisa de Medici, as well as Elisabeth Auguste, spent long periods of time in the Renaissance castle. In 1803, the castle became the property of the Grand Duchy of Baden. Around 1850, Baron Christian von Berckheim acquired the castle. Several renovations and extensions followed. In 1868, the 39-metre-high tower was built in the neo-Gothic style, and in 1893, an intermediate building was converted in the historicist style. Since 1953, the entire complex has been owned by the town of Weinheim. Today, the town hall and the seat of the town administration are housed in the former castle. The former castle is particularly popular with bridal couples, as it has a beautiful wedding room with valuable paintings and beautiful murals. The adjacent castle park is also a popular recreational area in Weinheim’s old town and offers a wonderful photo location. The Baroque and Renaissance castle is a fascinating building, which I loved visiting together with the extensive park.
