Yburg Castle (Yburg)

Architecture, patrimoine et histoire · Rems-Murr-Kreis

Clinging to the side of a lateral valley of the Rems at an altitude of 330 metres, the Yburg overlooks the wine-growing village of Stetten im Remstal, now part of Kernen im Remstal. Built in the early 14th century by the Truchsess (stewards) of Stetten, it takes the form of an almost cubic manorial residence, set into the slope rather than on a summit and lacking any real defensive works. Its importance declined after Stetten Castle was built in the valley at the end of the 14th century; in 1443 Hans von Yberg ceded it, together with his share of the village, to the House of Württemberg. Already described as dilapidated in 1598, it was repaired and raised by one storey in 1659, before Duke Charles Eugene ordered its demolition in 1760–1761, which spared only the outer walls. These bare façades, pierced on the west by an entrance facing the valley, still enclose vaulted rooms on the ground floor. Owned by the municipality since 1969 and restored in 2018, the ruin is freely accessible amid the vineyards and serves as a viewpoint over the Rems valley.