Wasserburg und Schloss Gottlieben

Gazing across the serene waters of the Rhine, can you envision the imposing Wasserburg und Schloss Gottlieben? This grand castle, originally a fortified waterburg, stands as a testament to a turbulent past. Bishop Eberhard II of Waldburg erected Wasserburg und Schloss Gottlieben in 1251. He intended it as a rival to the nearby city of Konstanz, with whose citizens he was in conflict. He even had a wooden bridge built across the Rhine to facilitate trade and challenge Konstanz’s authority. The original 13th-century waterburg, complete with two sturdy towers, formed the heart of the complex. Over the next two centuries, the castle expanded. A palace was added, then partially destroyed, followed by the construction of the east and north wings. By the end of the 15th century, Wasserburg und Schloss Gottlieben was a powerful fortress. A defensive wall encircled the entire structure, showcasing its strength and importance. During the tumultuous time of the Council of Constance in the early 15th century, Wasserburg und Schloss Gottlieben served as a prison. Within its walls, the reformer Jan Hus, Hieronymus of Prague, and even the deposed Pope John XXIII were held captive. It is said that the very roof of the western tower housed Hus’s prison cell, a haunting reminder of the religious and political struggles of the time. For centuries, Wasserburg und Schloss Gottlieben continued to be a significant stronghold. It served as the seat of the bishop’s high bailiff until the end of the 18th century. Later, it captured the interest of Prince Louis, the future Napoleon III, who briefly owned the castle. During the 19th century, the castle underwent renovations. It was then that the Wasserburg und Schloss Gottlieben acquired its neo-Gothic style. Interestingly, some of the tracery windows from the destroyed cloister of Konstanz Cathedral were incorporated into the castle’s new design. The 20th century saw further changes in ownership, including the German diplomat Wilhelm Muehlon and the opera singer Lisa della Casa. Now, Wasserburg und Schloss Gottlieben is owned by the opera singer Tatjana Gazdik and her husband, Thomas Huber. It remains a private residence, its rich history hidden behind closed doors, a silent sentinel watching over the Rhine.