Castle Sigmaringen .

Castle Sigmaringen , also known as Castle Goentsollerov - is a former prince's castle , seat of government as well as the princes in the same city Goentsollerov Sigmaringen , Baden Wurttemberg. Family Goentsollerov one of the oldest German noble families .

 

 

Sigmaringen lies on the southern edge of the Swabian plateau castle stands on a height of 605 meters above sea level.

 

In the 11th century, the end of the early Middle Ages , the valley covering the rock occurs first fortifications.The fortress was first mentioned in 1077 after a vain siege of the castle Sigmaringen Rudolf von Shvabenom in the war against the Emperor Henry IV. The castle eventful centuries of stories. On today on its territory is situated princely Museum and the firm that manages the affairs of the family Goentsollerov .

 

Excursions .

on the territory of the castle tours are conducted year-round. At present , the castle in its current form - is the result of three building periods and styles .

 

1. The medieval castle from 11th to 13th , the family Sigmaringen-Spitzenberg, as well as Spitzenberg-Helfenstein.

2. Reconstruction and expansion of the castle under the leadership of Count of Verdun .

3.Alterations and extension to the prince's castle to the princely family rezidentsiyuDemontazh Gogentsollerov Sigmaringen .

 

 

What to see in a castle.

 

The mighty halls and lounges with magnificent furniture, paintings and valuable porcelain shows all the luxury and splendor of high life stoletif past .Here you can see the prehistoric collection , along with a collection of paintings Swabian artists , blacksmiths and sculptors.

 

Hall weapon shows one of the largest private collections of arms in Europe with exhibits from the Middle Ages to the present. Stables Museum offers a princely park vehicles.

 

A collection of weapons.

The collection of weapons in the castle of Sigmaringen , its about 3. 000 exhibits, is the largest private collection of weapons in Europe. The founder of the collection should be required to Karl Anton von Goentsollern - Sigmaringenu rather his passion of the collector.Exhibits a collection show the history and development of arms from the 14th century to the 20th century.

 

Among the rare and valuable items you can see a variety of historical weapons curiosities, for example , the German organ gun 15th century, has a 5 -iron shafts.This copy can be safely considered a precursor of today's rapid-fire multilateral instruments. Along with 90 exhibits a variety of armor , you can see a large collection of helmets and related to 15 - 17 centuries.An impressive collection of weapons and firearms are not limited only to the European weapons, but also offers an exotic , for example, Persian arms and military equipment Japanese samurai.

 

 

In addition, the so-called gallery to the west of the castle is another collection , this time the visitors is the collection of medieval instruments of torture.

 

Princes museum.

 

The construction of the museum's galleries was held by Prince Carlo Antonio from 1862 to 1867.During the reign of Karl Anton collecting passion in the house Goentsollerov reached its climax. October 5, 1867 House Goentsollerov opened access to its artistic treasures to the public. The museum presents more than znachitelnoge art collection of Prince , including a collection of Swabian masters.There are works of art such areas as painting, sculpture , art glass and Blacksmithing skill. Museum of Fine Arts was renovated in 2007.

 

Prehistoric Collection.

Also in the museum gallery in the basement and found a prehistoric collection .Along with enthusiasm and skill in hunting, Karl Anton passionately interested in history . Featured in the prehistoric and early Christian collections of objects are for the most part the results of the excavations under the direction of Karl Anton on his lands in Sigmaringer and cover the period from 10. 000 BC to 700 AD. Oe.

 

 

Museum of stables.

In the south- west of the castle on the slope of the valley is the building of the former stables, converted into a museum - exhibition of the prince's fleet of vehicles. Coaches , cars , sleds are on display to the visitor. Exhibited in the exhibition fire pumps reminiscent of Castle fire , 1893, which raged for three days.

 

The court library .

 

Sigmaringen Library with its 200. 000 documents, one of the largest private libraries in Baden- Wurttemberg. Here are the monumental works of literature, art and history , but primarily in regional history. Moreover, as other sciences are presented .Prince Frederick was a great lover of orchids , so the court library is also very well represented in this area.

 

Another lock lock the family Goentsollern

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