Around the year 1100 Westheim near Augsburg began to flourish. This charming village boasts a history as rich as the Augsburg region itself.
Westheim wasn’t just founded. It grew around a water castle. This castle belonged to the powerful Langenmantel family. They ruled Westheim for centuries. Their double R emblem remains in the village and city’s coat of arms. The Langenmantels weren’t just rulers. They also ran forges mills taverns inns and bathhouses. Imagine the bustling activity around their Westheim castle.
The Langenmantel family transformed their castle into a magnificent Schloss. This Schloss stood until 1806 when Bavaria annexed the area. The Langenmantels sold their Schloss in 1837. It then became a retirement home for Catholic domestic workers. This home grew into the present-day Notburgaheim a much-expanded care facility.
Westheim connected to the Augsburg-Ulm railway line in 1854. This greatly improved access to Augsburg. The line was doubled in 1892 further boosting Westheim’s links. At the turn of the 20th century Westheim boomed. Wealthy Augsburger built impressive villas particularly on the slopes of the Kobelberg hill.
The Kobelberg hill offers stunning views. It was once home to a motte-and-bailey castle. A pilgrimage church St Maria von Loreto stands on the Kobelberg today. It was built in 1602 and later expanded. Sadly the Gasthof zum Kobel a popular inn near the church was demolished in 1969.
Westheim also has a fascinating religious history. The old Schlosskapelle St Cosmas und Damian is still standing. It dates to 1587. Westheim became an independent parish in 1947. A new church St Nikolaus von Flüe was built in 1961-62. Westheim’s people have always shown remarkable faith and resilience.
Westheim became part of Neusäß in 1972. Today it is Neusäß’s third largest district. Westheim’s story is one of continuity. It is a place that has adapted and grown. Yet it retains its unique charm and historical significance. You can feel the weight of history and the warmth of community here in Westheim.