Schenkenturm (Schenkenschloss Ruins)

Keep of a 13th-century castle of the Schenken von Roßberg above Würzburg-Unterdürrbach – today an observation tower open to visitors.

Interesting facts

Würzburg citizens plundered the castle in the Peasants' War of 1525.
Of the compensation of 1,225 guilders, only just over 1,024 were paid.
The tower stands at 297 metres above the Main valley.

Why visit

Observation tower with views over the Main valley
Castle history from the Middle Ages to the Peasants' War
A quiet excursion on the edge of the city

The Schenkenturm stands on the Kleiner Roßberg at 297 metres above sea level, north-west of the Würzburg district of Unterdürrbach, on the right bank of the Main. It is the keep of a castle built around 1270 to 1275 by the Schenken von Roßberg, cupbearers of the Bishopric of Würzburg; the castle and its chapel are first recorded in 1293.

The castle burned down in 1445 and was rebuilt and extended in 1448. During the Peasants’ War of 1525, citizens from Würzburg’s Pleicher quarter plundered and burned it; the promised compensation was only partly paid, and the castle remained a ruin. Until around 1600 it was called Burg Roßberg, afterwards Schenkenschloss.

From 1879 to 1881 a society founded for the purpose restored the keep; the reconstruction is dated 1889. The tower with its battlements was renovated in 1959 and 1997 and can still be climbed as an observation tower.

History

Built around 1270–1275 by the Schenken von Roßberg, first recorded in 1293, fire in 1445, extension in 1448, plundered and burned in the Peasants' War of 1525, then a ruin. Passed to the Prince-Bishopric of Würzburg in 1537, keep restored 1879–1881 (reconstruction dated 1889), renovations in 1959 and 1997.

Special features

Tall square keep with battlements of limestone and sandstone, surrounded by wall remains; today an observation tower.

Practical information

Suitable for: Hikers, families, castle enthusiasts.
Getting there: On the Kleiner Roßberg north-west of Würzburg-Unterdürrbach. According to the source the tower can be climbed as an observation tower; opening times are not known.

Details may change. Please check current information with the operator before your visit.

Map

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49.81604, 9.89905

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