Morstein Castle

Schloss Morstein is a medieval spur castle built in the 13th century by the Lords of Morstein. It stands on a narrow ridge above the Jagst valley near the small hamlet of Morstein, now part of Gerabronn. The castle commands views over the surrounding Hohenlohe plateau and the winding river below. The site passed from the Lords of Morstein to the Crailsheims in the 14th century and has remained in their family ever since. After a fire in 1571 the main palace was rebuilt in Renaissance style, and another blaze in 1669 led to the construction of the chapel. The present gatehouse dates from 1758. Visitors enter across a stone bridge over the neck ditch into the outer ward, where a round tower guards the southern corner. A second bridge crosses the inner ditch to the inner ward, dominated by a medieval keep of ashlar blocks. The rebuilt palace shows a fine stepped gable towards the village, while a gallery runs along its length. The chapel, now replaced by a modern church in the valley, once stood west of the palace, and the large inner courtyard is enclosed by the ring wall.