Who built the Pfälzer Schloss?

The site originated as a Vogtei castle of the Abbey of Fulda first recorded in 1306, later turned into an administrative seat by the Electoral Palatinate after the lordship was sold to it in 1390.

Why is it called the Pfälzer Schloss?

The name reflects its use as the seat of officials of the Electoral Palatinate, the Kurpfalz, which for centuries shared authority over Groß-Umstadt with other lordships.

What remains of the medieval structure?

The sandstone lower level dates from before 1500, and 2008 excavations in the cellars uncovered 12th-century wall sections likely belonging to the earlier Fulda stronghold.

Can the inside of the Pfälzer Schloss be visited?

Available information does not specify interior visiting conditions; the building is mainly seen from outside and its surrounding grounds.

How is it related to the Wambolt'sches Schloss?

The two buildings stand directly next to each other in Groß-Umstadt, but the Pfälzer Schloss, sometimes called the Oberschloss, is distinguished by its former role as a Palatinate administrative seat.

Pfälzer Schloss

Groß-Umstadt

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Where: Groß-Umstadt

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Pfälzer Schloss stands in Groß-Umstadt (Landkreis Darmstadt-Dieburg), in Hesse, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

The Pfälzer Schloss stands at the northwestern edge of the old town of Groß-Umstadt, on the site of a former moated castle founded by the Abbey of Fulda. From the mid-15th century it served as the administrative seat of the Electoral Palatinate, reflecting the long shared rule of the town between the Palatinate and Hanau, later Hesse. The present building combines a sandstone lower level dating from before 1500 with a half-timbered upper floor rebuilt after a fire in 1806, topped by a small bell turret. Inside, the vaulted ground-floor hall known as the Rittersaal and an ornate 18th-century outdoor staircase recall its noble past, while the cellars revealed 12th-century wall remains during excavations in 2008.

What to know

The Schloss stands along the line of the old town wall of Groß-Umstadt, right next to the neighbouring Wambolt'sches Schloss.
The exterior, including the half-timbered upper floor and the sandstone staircase, can be viewed while walking around the building.
The adjoining park to the west still holds three historic boundary stones marking the old border between the Amt Umstadt and the Vogtei of Obernburg.
A complete renovation carried out between 2009 and 2012 made part of the building accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
The monument as a whole is listed as a Kulturdenkmal in Hesse.

Where this château is

Groß-Umstadt · Landkreis Darmstadt-Dieburg · Hessen

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Pfälzer G. 16, 64823 Groß-Umstadt

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Château phone number

+49 6078 781260

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Heritage status: Kulturdenkmal in Hessen

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Frequently asked

Who built the Pfälzer Schloss?: The site originated as a Vogtei castle of the Abbey of Fulda first recorded in 1306, later turned into an administrative seat by the Electoral Palatinate after the lordship was sold to it in 1390.
Why is it called the Pfälzer Schloss?: The name reflects its use as the seat of officials of the Electoral Palatinate, the Kurpfalz, which for centuries shared authority over Groß-Umstadt with other lordships.
What remains of the medieval structure?: The sandstone lower level dates from before 1500, and 2008 excavations in the cellars uncovered 12th-century wall sections likely belonging to the earlier Fulda stronghold.
Can the inside of the Pfälzer Schloss be visited?: Available information does not specify interior visiting conditions; the building is mainly seen from outside and its surrounding grounds.
How is it related to the Wambolt'sches Schloss?: The two buildings stand directly next to each other in Groß-Umstadt, but the Pfälzer Schloss, sometimes called the Oberschloss, is distinguished by its former role as a Palatinate administrative seat.