The gray stone tower opposite the cathedral is the gate to a villa whose gardens and terrace views inspired Wagner's magic garden of Klingsor in Parsifal.
The villa began in the 13th century as a fortified manor house/farm and continued to grow with successive generations until it was reputed to have more than 300 rooms (likely an exaggeration). The oldest part remaining is the 30-meter stone watchtower.
In the 18th century, a Neo-Moorish cloister was added, and in the 19th century, the grounds were made into Romantic gardens. Most of the buildings are now in ruins, which are incorporated as garden features.
Restored portions are used for art exhibits, and the grounds are the scene of concerts and an outstanding summer music festival with world-renowned performers and orchestras.
