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Founded: c. 1340Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Habsburg Dynasty (Germany)
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Ritzebüttel Castle in Cuxhaven was the residence of the Hamburg bailiffs, back when Ritzebüttel still belonged to the city of Hamburg. The castle, part of which dates back to the 14th century, is one of the oldest preserved secular buildings of the North German Brick Gothic style in the region and is now open to visitors.
Built around 1340, the castle passed to Hamburg in 1394 after a conflict with the Lords of Saxe-Lauenburg. Its strategic location helped Hamburg control the Lower Elbe and defend against North Sea pirates. Over 500 years, Hamburg senators served as bailiffs here, transforming the defensive structure into a representative manor. Though remote from Hamburg, it remained important until 1937, when Cuxhaven was transferred to Prussia. After decades of various uses, the building was renovated and reopened in 1996. Today, it houses a restaurant, exhibition rooms, and a wedding hall.
The core of the castle is a 14th-century brick tower with three-meter-thick walls and original Gothic arches. A 17th-century timber extension was later replaced by a Baroque façade. Though most defenses were dismantled, architectural elements from six centuries remain, including ceremonial halls and antique furnishings.
In 1847, a Swiss-style tea house was built in the castle park, later joined by an open-air stage. A war memorial honoring WWI soldiers was added in 1932, modeled after the maritime Kugelbake and updated in 1980.
References:Duino Castle was built by the Wallsee family in 1389 on the cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. It replaced an older castle from the 11th century. Over time, the Wallsee family disappeared and the castle, after having been used as a prison, became the residence of the Luogar and Hofer.
At the end of the 19th century it became the property of Prince Alexander von Thurn und Taxis from the Czech branch of the House of Thurn and Taxis. It remains with the family to this day with his great-grandson Prince Carlo Alessandro della Torre e Tasso, Duke of Castel Duino the current owner. The castle has been opened to the public as a museum and park.