Centuries ago, it stood as one of many. Neunhof is now the last of nearly one hundred manor houses. These once guarded Nuremberg. Welcome to Schloss Neunhof. It is a unique historical monument in Neunhof. This village belongs to Franconia’s metropolis, Nuremberg.
Neunhof offers a glimpse into the summer lives of Nuremberg’s patrician families. They lived here from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The fortified manor includes a gate. It has a moat, drawbridge, and outbuildings. Stables and gardens complete the domestic ensemble. It sits in the heart of Knoblauchsland.
The structure’s origins trace back to the latter half of the 15th century. Schloss Neunhof once served as a castle and hunting museum. Now, it is undergoing extensive renovations. These renovations mean it is currently closed to visitors. The garden however is open from April to October.
Inside this small patrician castle, discover unexpected treasures. There are two kitchens. One was for cooking. The other was purely for show. The domestic chapel dates back to around 1740. It features two altar panels from the Kraftshof church. It also boasts a playable organ. This organ was made in Nuremberg.
The Kress family owned Neunhof in the mid-14th century. They also owned the neighboring Kressenstein manor in Kraftshof. Hans Kreß built the current building around 1479. He added a moat.
In 1503, Georg Fütterer acquired the property. He was a wealthy Nuremberg merchant. Fütterer added a wall. He also added two floors with twin gables.
The Koler family eventually owned the property. Susanna Koler married Johann Wilhelm Kreß von Kressenstein in 1615. This brought the property back to the Kreß family. The last male Kreß descendant died in 1856. The house remained unoccupied for decades.
The German National Museum began restoring the property in 1961. They followed a 1740 floor plan. A palace garden was added in the late 1970s.
The property spans about 1.3 hectares. The palace garden occupies most of the east side. A walled bailey sits in the southwest corner. It has a covered bridge over the western moat. A drawbridge once crossed the northern face of the wall. The moat encloses the manor house, stables, and wash house.
In 2021, the Schloss Neunhof Foundation was established. Its main goal is to preserve the castle. It also handles other tasks related to the castle.
In spring and summer, the early Baroque garden attracts visitors. This picturesque estate is also available for children’s parties. Schloss Neunhof offers a unique glimpse into Nuremberg’s past. It shows the lifestyle of its patrician families. A blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty awaits you here.