THE IMPOSING CASTLE KEEP IN THE CENTRE OF THE CASTLE The castle was built in the 12th century. It included a “Palas”, or great hall to the south, with a cellar which was located under the western half of the south wing of the present castle, and a small transverse structure, the so-called “dormer building” to the east. This was probably used as a farm building. The Palas had a double chapel dedicated to St. George. At the centre of the castle was the imposing castle keep, a square fortified defence tower. It was protected by enor- mous stone walls, could be used as a safe place to keep valuables, and served as a place of refuge in the event of siege. In the 13th century, the town became the seat of a Bamberg bailiff, who resided in the newly built castle. From the beginning, the inner part of the castle could be reached by a drawbridge from the present market square. In 1348, Herzogenaurach was described in the Bamberg urbarium as a town (oppidum) with castle (castrum). Parts of the medieval structure are still preserved in the south wing of the castle. The ceiling beam can be dated to 1228. Source: ‚ Herzogenaurach Town Museum This is what the castle keep might have looked like at the time. The square fortified defence tower has 13-metre-high walls and a raised entrance, which was accessible via its own wooden bridge or staircase. Source: Construction and History of Castles initially within the German language region, Munich, 1912, R. Piper & Co., Publisher