Altenstein Castle, Maroldsweisach, Germany

The Altenstein Castle, located in Franconia, was once the seat of the lords of Stein zu Altenstein. The castle had its origins in the Teufelsstein, a rock castle that stood below Lichtenstein Castle. The Steins of Lichtenstein had their seat at the castle of Lichtenstein, while the Altensteins became vassals of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg.

The castle, mentioned indirectly in 1225 and directly in 1231, developed into a Ganerbenburg, occupied and managed by several branches of the family. It had a significant role in the early record of joint inheritance. The Altensteins established a small territory around the castle during the 14th and 15th centuries, consolidating their scattered lands.

The castle faced damages during the Peasants' War in 1525, but in 1549, Emperor Charles V granted the high court jurisdiction to the Altensteins. The family faced a decline in fortunes and conflicts, including the execution of William of Stein zu Altenstein in 1567. The castle was sacked during the Thirty Years' War, and the family eventually moved to a new schloss in Pfaffendorf.

The castle fell into ruin over time and was donated to the district of Hassberge in 1972. The site underwent renovation and development, becoming accessible to visitors. The castle ruins, located on unstable subsoil, require ongoing stabilization measures. The castle chapel, originally built in 1438, had to be rebuilt and underwent further changes over the years.

Today, the Altenstein Castle is part of the Haßberge Castle Educational Path and offers a circular walk around the inner ward, allowing visitors to explore the ruins and previously inaccessible areas.

References:

Wikipedia

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.

doug demaio (2 years ago)
A hidden gem. Well worth a visit and teaches a lot about history in the area. Powerful info, beautiful place.

Marije Henning (3 years ago)
Beautiful old ruined castle. There aren't many ruins left, but they are well-kept, information is given in German and English. We spent a nice time here, and enjoyed the beautiful views. You have to pay a small fee (4€ in 2021) to enter the grounds.

Chandrashekhar Panchangmath (4 years ago)
Very clean and nice place..

Jonathan Killeen (5 years ago)
It's good to be king.

L. S. (7 years ago)
Great View and interesting things.

Altenstein Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle