Schloss Pollheim

Schloss Polheim was presumably founded under Albero von Polheim around the middle of the 13th century by combining several houses that the Polheims had acquired over time. The building formed the northwest corner of the walled medieval city and was thus part of the city's fortifications. The entrance to the castle courtyard, which opens onto today's Ringstraße, was formerly secured by a drawbridge and a moat. The Renaissance part adjoins the medieval castle wing with the Gothic tower, which features window frames and a Gothic coat of arms. This is particularly remarkable for the beautiful architectural sculpture of its windows. In the courtyard of the building, one can still recognize the former Gothic castle chapel with its late Gothic windows.The name "Freiung" (exemption) commemorates the fact that the city had no rights in the castle and the "Freyung". This means that Schloss Polheim, as a noble residence, was outside the city's jurisdiction, i.e., it was "exempt" from city law and its consequences. The Polheims had their own jurisdiction!A plaque next to the portal on the north side of the castle commemorates that the famous Nuremberg Meistersinger Hans Sachs temporarily lived here in Wels in 1513 as a shoemaker's apprentice. At that time, as an aspiring Meistersinger, he already belonged to the Wels Meistersinger school. His first poem is said to have been written here.Wolfgang von PollheimEmperor Wolfgang von Polheim was sent to Brittany by Emperor Maximilian for marriage negotiations. Wolfgang acted as Maximilian's proxy "per procuram" at the wedding in 1490, as Maximilian was prevented from attending. After the wedding and the offering, Wolfgang, fully armored with a sword, climbed into the decorated wedding bed to touch Anna with his bare knee, thereby indicating the will to consummate the marriage. With this, the customary legal act was completed, and the marriage was valid.Parking:Paid parking on Ringstraße, Stadtplatz, and PollheimerstraßeFree parking at the exhibition grounds (7 min walk)Parking:Paid parking on Ringstraße, Stadtplatz, and PollheimerstraßeFree parking at the exhibition grounds (7 min walk)