Epprechtstein Castle

Epprechtstein Castle is a former hill castle on the mountain of the same name, the Epprechtstein, which rises above the village of Kirchenlamitz.HistoryAn Eberhardus de Eckebretsteine was first mentioned in the records in a deed of gift by Duke Otto II of Merania in 1248. In 1308, King Henry VII of Germany enfeoffed the brothers Ulrich, Henry and Nickel, of the House of Sack, with the fortress of Epprechtstein; the Wilds were co-owners. In 1337 Emperor Louis the Bavarian enfeoffed Vogt Henry of Plauen with a small part of the castle. In 1352, the burgraves of Nuremberg stormed the robber baron castle and were given it as a fief. Amongst the attackers was Henry of Kotzau with his two brothers. In 1355/1356 they purchased the castle, the office and the parish of Kirchenlamitz outright, whereupon Epprechtstein and Kirchenlamitz became part of Sechsämterland ("Six District Land") and the seat of its officials, the Amtmänner. The castle tower was part of the defensive system of the "Wartordnung" of 1498. In the 16th century, the castle was destroyed by troops of Vogt Henry of Plauen and fell into ruin.