Schloss Böblingen

Schloss Böblingen stood on the Schlossberg at the eastern edge of the old town. The hill still carries its name and the remains of the town wall are visible in the street plan. The former castle occupied the western end of Schlossbergstraße, with St Dionysius church marking its site today. The castle began as a medieval fortress first recorded in 1303 and became a Württemberg residence in the 14th century. Two widows of Württemberg rulers lived here in the 15th century: Mechthild of the Palatinate and Barbara Gonzaga from Mantua. The castle grew into a palace with a Dürnitz hall, kitchen, cellars and living chambers, reaching its final form under Duke Christoph in 1568. An inventory from 1630 listed about fifty rooms including state apartments, service quarters and storerooms. Visitors now see the church of St Dionysius, built from the former castle chapel. The irregular octagonal curtain wall still rises above the hill, its walkway once encircling the inner buildings. The site offers views over the town and along the line of the old town wall. The slopes below carry the pattern of streets that once led to the castle gates.