Originally a 13th century moated castle (see the museum models) for the ruling counts, the building was not deemed worthy to be the residence of the dukes who came to power in the 15th century, so was transformed into this magnificent Renaissance castle and courtyard. Also here is the first Protestant church north of the Alps dating to 1562 (reformation occurred in1534) and the equestrian statue is of the well-loved Eberhard V, first of the dukes. Check out the fluted columns in the courtyard, they are actually fluted with flutes, and the bucks on the clock head-butt each other on the hour. The four granite blocks behind the building were shipped from Brazil and form the Memorial to the Victims of Hitler.