Oberdeusch Castle Site

Archaeological sites

Site of a medieval castle of a ministerial family near Oberdeusch, a district of Füssen – only remains of the earthworks and an old well survive.

Interesting facts

The site is also known as the Hessenburg.
St. Mang's Abbey bought the castle in 1401.
No masonry survives, only traces of the earthworks.

Why visit

Traces of a medieval castle in the countryside around Füssen

The Oberdeusch castle site (Burgstall Oberdeusch), also known as the Hessenburg, lies near the district of the same name in Füssen at an altitude of around 909 metres. The castle was probably built in the 12th century as the seat of a family of ministerials who called themselves “Hessen von dem Tusche”; the first known member, Chunrad der Hess, is recorded in a document of 1370.

In 1401 Heinz and Mangold von Tuschlin sold the castle to St. Mang’s Abbey. After 1570 the “Schloss” of Oberdeusch is no longer mentioned; in the 17th century the site fell into decay and its stones were used as building material. Today only remains of the earthworks, a memorial stone and a well about 18 metres deep, lined with dressed stone, survive. The site is protected as an archaeological monument.

History

Probably built in the 12th century as the seat of a ministerial family; first documented member in 1370 (Chunrad der Hess); sold to St. Mang's Abbey in 1401; no longer mentioned after 1570; decay and removal of the stones in the 17th century.

Special features

Castle site with remains of earthworks; the eastern slope drops steeply by about ten metres. The castle was about 25 metres wide, but its exact size can no longer be determined. A well about 18 metres deep probably supplied it with water.

Map

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