Burg Zell

The Burg Zell once stood on a steep northern slope of the Zeller Horn at 685 metres above sea level, overlooking the Hechingen district of Boll in the Zollernalbkreis. Built before 1255 by the Schenken of Zell, it appears in records from 1255 with Werner of Zell as its owner. The family later became the ancestors of the Stauffenbergs, a famous noble house. The land around the Zollerberg had belonged to the Lords of Zell long before the Hohenzollerns took control. Scholars believe the name Zell was the original family title before it became Stauffenberg. By 1439 the castle had already fallen into ruin and was described as a Burgstall. Nothing remains of the old walls or towers today. The surrounding settlement was abandoned between the 14th and 15th centuries. All that survives is the pilgrimage church of Maria Zell, which now occupies the site. The church keeps the memory of the vanished fortress alive. Visitors walk up to the church along paths that follow the old castle’s former ramparts. From the hilltop there are wide views across the Alb plateau and down to the valley below. The church itself contains frescoes from the 15th century and a Baroque high altar. A small museum beside the church displays finds from the site, including pottery and ironwork. The peaceful setting contrasts with the castle’s turbulent past.