Neufraunhofen: Castle, Church and Architectural History

For a trip to Neufraunhofen, the history of the castle and church art provide a distinct cultural focus. Neufraunhofen Castle was built from 1393 onward; the castle church, park and other historic buildings span different periods. You can explore their distinctive features by construction phase, furnishings and event occasion.

The Castle Ensemble and Its Architectural History

The Catholic Castle Church of St John the Baptist and the Assumption of Mary dates back to an initial Gothic structure built around 1409. The nave and west choir were rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1709/14; around 1753, the façade and tower were given a Rococo design. The church therefore reveals a Gothic origin, the Baroque rebuilding of major sections and a later Rococo influence.

The castle park is a Baroque landscape that was expanded in 1830/40 and again between 1880 and 1914. These two periods mark later stages in the park’s development. The park is also home to the votive chapel, a Neo-Gothic exposed-brick building dating from around 1880, with a roof turret and a pointed spire. The term “exposed-brick building” describes its distinctive finish of visible brickwork. A roof turret is a small tower structure on a roof; the pointed spire is its tapering finial. Unlike the castle church, with its Gothic structure and later Baroque and Rococo design, the chapel is Neo-Gothic.

West of the castle church stands the former Capuchin hospice: a simple rectangular brick building with a steeply pitched roof, dating from 1716/17. The former cattle and horse stable, built in 1754, is also part of the castle ensemble. Its comprehensive renovation and conversion were completed in 2009. The year it was built and the completion of its conversion mark different stages in the building’s history.

Church Art and Planning Your Visit

A distinctive detail in the castle church is the altarpiece depicting the Virgin Mary with her unique straw-embroidered mantle. Alongside the architecture, the painting offers a focal point of its own, with the figure of Mary and the unusual material treatment taking centre stage. The castle church is accessed through the castle courtyard; a church foundation made it accessible to the public in 1921. The restored stables and castle courtyard can be visited by prior arrangement only.

Events as a Reason to Travel

The Neufraunhofen Support Association holds a Christmas market at the castle every two years. Various events are also held in the castle church in connection with the market. If the Christmas market is the reason for your trip, check the exact date in advance.

Thanks to its good acoustics, the Marstall at Neufraunhofen Castle can also accommodate large groups for celebrations, talks or markets. Upstairs, the Fraunhofen Hall can accommodate up to 200 people for a buffet and dancing.

A Nearby Excursion

The Burglochschanze near Velden, east of Neufraunhofen, is an option for a separate excursion nearby. From the recommended parking area, an approximately 800-metre footpath leads there; sturdy footwear is recommended. As parking conditions may change, check the situation before your visit.

For the broader travel overview: Velden.