Located about 65 km (40 mi) from Stuttgart is the ancestral seat of the Kings and Queens of Prussia, Castle Hohenzollern.
The castle is of importance, not only because it is one of Europeís most beautiful and popular castles, but because it is where the most powerful Prussian Kings and Queens called ìhomeî. When the family was able to secure this hill, they secured their hold on the region and their power.
Upon entering the first room, Family Tree Hall, you will see the walls covered in an elaborate family tree. At one point the tree splits into two colors. Half of the family (in red) stayed in Schwabia (now southern Germany, Baden-Wuttenberg) until their extinction in 1869. The blue part of the family gained power until they ascended the throne of Brandenburg and of Ducal Prussia and created the Kingdom of Prussia. They became the most powerful family in pre-unified Germany.
This is the third castles to be built on this site. The first castle dates to around the first half of the 11th century and was completely destroyed in 1423. From 1454 to 1461 a second castle was constructed and later fortified into a fortress. However, due to lack of funds and maintenance problems the castle fell into ruins in the beginning of the 19th century.
The castle from the parking area.
In 1819, the crown prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia decided to reconstruct the family seat and rebuild Hohenzollern. When he became King he realized his dream and constructed the current castle between 1846 and 1867.
Today the castle is open year round (check if visiting during the Christmas season). The tours are only in German unless you call ahead and request an English tour. Also the Countís Hall is available to rent. Be prepared to walk up to the castle or pay for a bus ride. Parking costs about 3 Euros per car and you have to wait in line for a tour. There are no pre-set tour times, you may have to wait in line.
[photo by trodel]
