Since 1260, Hof Castle served as the official residence of the sovereign's administrators and was the militarily strongest point of the city wall. Today, only these meager masonry remains of the once imposing complex remain, where, during the Thirty Years' War, a Swedish major and his men were able to defend themselves for several weeks against much larger imperial troops. In the 18th century, the administration moved out. The complex fell into disrepair and was used as a quarry.