Esslingen, Burg, former gate-house
Frederick II had granted Esslingen the so-called town status in 1219. It became a as a free imperial city which meant it was a self-ruling city with a certain amount of autonomy and most of all it was not was subordinate to a territorial lord but only to the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
It was not until 1286 and 1287 that Rudolf of Habsburg the town fortifications by means of two connecting walls. A third connecting wall was added in the 14th century. Between 1519 and 1531, the complex was extended to include a castle approach, as well as a rampart and moat on the town side. In contrast to other castles which represented the status of a lord, this castle’s main function was to protect its people. In 1519, the fortifications withstood an attack by Duke Ulrich of Württemberg, who, having captured Reutlingen, also attempted to take the imperial city of Esslingen.
In 1688, the city walls were not able to prevent considerable destruction by French forces marauding in Southern Germany under General Ezéchiel de Mélac. The same general had blown up the castle of Heidelberg. Esslingen was once more occupied by French troops under General de Mazel in 1693 and in 1707 by General Villars. In the early 19th century, under Napoleon, Württemberg became a French vassal state until 1871.
Esslingen, Burg, former gate-house
Frederick II had granted Esslingen the so-called town status in 1219. It became a as a free imperial city which meant it was a self-ruling city with a certain amount of autonomy and most of all it was not was subordinate to a territorial lord but only to the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
It was not until 1286 and 1287 that Rudolf of Habsburg the town fortifications by means of two connecting walls. A third connecting wall was added in the 14th century. Between 1519 and 1531, the complex was extended to include a castle approach, as well as a rampart and moat on the town side. In contrast to other castles which represented the status of a lord, this castle’s main function was to protect its people. In 1519, the fortifications withstood an attack by Duke Ulrich of Württemberg, who, having captured Reutlingen, also attempted to take the imperial city of Esslingen.
In 1688, the city walls were not able to prevent considerable destruction by French forces marauding in Southern Germany under General Ezéchiel de Mélac. The same general had blown up the castle of Heidelberg. Esslingen was once more occupied by French troops under General de Mazel in 1693 and in 1707 by General Villars. In the early 19th century, under Napoleon, Württemberg became a French vassal state until 1871.