Once a moated stronghold, now a symbol of Stuttgart’s rich history, stands the Old Castle. Built around 950 AD, it protected a stud farm. This farm gave Stuttgart its name.
For 400 years, the Old Castle served as the residence of the Counts and Dukes of Württemberg. It was the center of power in the region. Imagine the castle in the 14th century. The Counts of Württemberg called it home.
Duke Christoph of Württemberg transformed the fortress into a Renaissance palace between 1550 and 1568. Aberlin Tretsch and Blasius Berwart were the master builders. They added upper floors to the Dürnitz wing. Three new wings with round towers completed the four-winged complex.
The courtyard’s arcades showcase Italian Renaissance motifs. The columns mirror antique Corinthian designs. A special staircase allowed horsemen to ride directly to the Knights’ Hall.
Inside the Old Castle, the castle church was consecrated in 1562. It was the first Protestant church in Württemberg. King Charles I and his wife Olga are buried beneath the church.
In 1931, disaster struck. A fire destroyed the Dürnitz building and two towers. More damage followed in 1944 during a bomb attack. Reconstruction began in 1946. It was completed in 1962 under Paul Schmitthenner’s direction.
Today, the Old Castle houses the Württemberg State Museum since 1948. Its origins trace back to the art chamber of King Wilhelm I. See Stone Age and Roman artifacts. Paintings recount ancient regional history.
The inner courtyard displays a monument to Eberhard I. He was the first Duke of Württemberg. The Old Castle stands next to the New Castle. The New Castle was built in the late 18th century.
The Old Castle’s exterior retains its medieval character. The arcaded courtyard reflects the Renaissance era. The building now corresponds to the Reformation period.
Step inside the Old Castle. Explore the Landesmuseum Württemberg. Discover the history of the state. Travel from the Stone Age through the Middle Ages. See collections of kingdoms.
Visit the royal crypt beneath the castle church. Reflect on the lives of King Charles and Queen Olga. The Old Castle is a testament to Stuttgart’s past. It is a vibrant cultural center today.