The Hohenzollern Castle

Today was an awesome but extremely tiring day. I spent all day yesterday traveling the trains to get to Hechingen, Germany so that I can see the Hohenzollern Castle. In total, it took me about 11 hours to get there with all the train switching, taxi rides, etc. In all it was totally worth it though. I learned so much more about family history than I ever thought possible- even though I'm not 100% where it all connects to me. I just know that it does and I will have to ask my grandmother more when I get home.

So what did I learn? Well for starters, the castle I saw was the third castle built. The first one was burnt down centuries ago after the king died and two of sons could decide who was next in line to inherit it. In midst of a battle in the field below (weird-knowing that where I stood people died), someone accidentally caught it on fire. In all actuality, it was never supposed to be part of the battle.

With the second castle, nothing ever happened with it. And that's exactly it. The family built a new castle in the town of Hechingen and left the other (Hohenzollern) to fall apart. Finally, in the late 1800's the King decided to rebuild it. However, it was made as more of a museum rather than a home because it wasn't intended for people to actually live there. In fact, noone lives there now. On occasion, the current prince (who owns it) will stay for a week or two. Then there is also a charity group run by the royal family that hosts a ball each year to raise money for underprivledged children. The lucky children not only recieve financial assistance, but they are also able to live in the castle as "princes" and "princesses" for two weeks. I'm wondering how they manage that seeing as how we had to put on giant slippers over our shoes before even entering.

Another thing I learned is that the castle is owned by two royal lines. One is Swabian and the other is Prussian. I don't recall which one it is, but one family owns 2/3 of the castle while the other only owns 1/3. Also of note, is that the family only owns a small portion of their other castle in Hechingen, which has since been turned into a museum. The other half is owned by a bank.

I took as many pictures as possible for you guys and even tried to get a few movie clips. Unfortunately, they don't let you take pictures inside the castle. However, the tour we recieved was maybe 1/5 of the castle...so you didn't miss much. Enjoy!

Again, thank you Cody for my Camera...I love the panoromic feature!!

Close up of where they probably kept prisoners.

No Trent, you cannot see your christmas gift in the shopping bag from here :)

Family Crest

Chain used to pull the drawbridge (functional, but not really needed for it's time)

Inside the Protestant Chapel

Inside the Catholic Chapel

Catholic Chapel

Protestant Chapel

Castle Courtyard

Castle Courtyard

Another view from the Castle

View from the Castle

This is where they held people. : /

Castle Entrance with giant emblam in stone.