Burgwindheim in Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany — Central Europe
Ebrachisches Richterhaus
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Ebrach Magistrate’s House
| — | Kulturhistorischer Rundweg Burgwindheim | — |
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 29, 2025
1. Ebrachische Richterhaus / Ebrach Magistrate’s House Marker
Richtstätte und Brauhaus
Das sog. „Richterhaus“ wurde im Jahr 1579 durch das Kloster Ebrach im Stil der Renaissance erbaut und zählt zum ältesten Baubestand am Ort. Darin wohnte einst ein weltlicher Beamter, der für die bürgerlichen und strafrechtlichen Streitfälle der Untertanen zuständig war. Die Gerichtsbarkeit ließ die Abtei durch ihre „Bärtlinge“ (fratres barbati) versehen: „Rechtskundige und im Auffangen, Bewahren und Hinrichten der Übelthäter erfahrene Laienbrüder“.
Ein im Mauerwerk eingelassenes Wappen zeigt den Zisterzienserbalken, auch „Krapfenband“ genannt. Der Krummstab sowie die Initialen LA (Leonhard Abbas) verweisen auf den von 1563 bis 1591 amtierenden Abt des Zisterzienserklosters Leonhard Rosen. Das mehrfach veränderte Anwesen wurde später auch als „Löwenbräu Gaststätte“ mit Brauhaus genutzt. Der repräsentativ angelegte Traufseitbau mit seinem mächtigen Satteldach bildet städtebaulich eine ganz bedeutsame Raumkante für den Marktplatz.
· Der weltliche Beamte im Richterhaus gehörte der klösterlichen Präfektur an.
· Das Wappen ziert ein in Silber und
this page online
· Die Sigle MD im Wappen bedeutet mansionem dedit hat das Haus bewilligt.
· Das Anwesen wurde im Laufe der Zeit verputzt, ist teilweise abgebrannt und erhielt Anbauten.
Ebrach magistrate’s house
Court house and brewery
The so-called "Magistrate's House" was built in 1579 by Ebrach Abbey in the Renaissance style and is one of the oldest buildings in the town. It was once the residence of a secular official responsible for the civil and criminal disputes of the subjects. The abbey entrusted this jurisdiction to its "bearded brothers" (fratres barbati): "Lay brothers knowledgeable in law and experienced in apprehending, preserving, and executing wrongdoers."
A coat of arms embedded in the masonry displays the Cistercian bar, also known as the "Krapfenband" (a type of frieze). The crozier and the initials LA (Leonhard Abbas) refer to Leonhard Rosen, the abbot of the Cistercian monastery from 1563 to 1591. The property, which underwent several alterations, was later also used as the "Löwenbräu" inn with a brewery. The impressive, eaves-fronted building
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 2, 2025
2. Ebrachisches Richterhaus / Ebrach Magistrate’s House and Marker
· The secular official in the courthouse belonged to the monastic prefecture.
· The coat of arms features a silver and red diagonal bar (Cistercian bar).
· The abbreviation MD in the coat of arms means "mansionem dedit" (granted the house).
· Over time, the property was plastered, partially burned down, and had extensions added.
Erected by Markt Burgwindheim. (Marker Number 12.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1579.
Location. 49° 49.639′ N, 10° 35.668′ E. Marker is in Burgwindheim, Bayern (Bavaria), in Bamberg. It is on Hauptstraße. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Hauptstraße 31, Burgwindheim BY 96, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in German Franconia. Globally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Holy Roman Empire and also the former West Germany.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Posthalterei / Posting Inn (a few steps from this marker); Nonnenhof (a few steps from this marker); Pfarrkirche St. Jakobus / St. James Parish Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Ehem. Gasthof Zum Hirschen / Former Inn “Zum Hirschen” (within shouting distance of this marker); Kath. Pfarrkiche St. Jakobus / Catholic Parish Church of St. Jakobus (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Ensemble Hauptstraße / Main Street Ensemble (about 120 meters away); Obertorbrücke / Bridge “Obertorbrücke” (about 150 meters away); Marter am Wallfahrtsweg / Wayside Pilgrimage Shrine (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burgwindheim.
Also see . . . Ebrach magistrate’s house (Markt Ebrach). The QR code on the marker leads to this page, with an English version fairly similar to the translation already provided, but also including additional photos and an interactive map with the 17 additional stops on the historical tour of the town. (Submitted on November 11, 2025.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 44 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 11, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
