Details
Founded: 12th centuryCategory: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)
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Diepholz Castle is located in western Lower Saxony and evolved from a moated fortress first mentioned in 1233, though it likely existed in the 12th century.
Originally built in a swampy forest, the castle served as the seat of the noble von Diepholz family. It was damaged by fire in 1522 and rebuilt in Renaissance style. Count Rudolf renovated it around 1550. After the Diepholz line ended in 1585, the castle passed to the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg and was occupied by the Welfs. It was fortified during the Dutch War of Independence, burned by Danish troops in the Thirty Years’ War, and later destroyed by the Swedes in 1637. Rebuilt in 1651, it housed local administration.
A fire in 1790 destroyed part of the south and west wings. Since 1852, the castle has hosted the Diepholz District Court, with a small museum in its tower.
The three-winged structure retains medieval foundations. The 43-meter tower on the north side, likely the oldest part, has 3.5-meter-thick granite walls and dates back to at least the 13th century. It features brick and timber upper floors, topped by a 12-sided slate-covered spire. Though some claim it dates to 980–1030, there’s no firm evidence of a fortress that early.
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.