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Founded: 13th centuryCategory: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)
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Adelebsen Castle, originally a medieval fortress later turned into a palace, stands on a sandstone rock near Adelebsen, about 15 km west of Göttingen. It was home to the noble Adelebsen family for around 800 years until the male line ended in 1957.
The area was first mentioned in 990. Around 1200, the Lords of Wibbecke moved to the sandstone hill and built the first structures, with the name 'de Adelevessen' appearing in 1234. The castle was first mentioned in 1295 and expanded throughout the 14th century. It was burned in 1466 by the Bishop of Hildesheim and damaged during the Thirty Years' War, then rebuilt from 1650 onward. In 1740, it was transformed into a palace, with new buildings like the forester’s house, administration office, and a 38-meter-deep well added.
The oldest part is the nine-story tower from the late 14th century, with walls up to 4.3 meters thick. The tower is now empty but home to the largest colony of nesting jackdaws in southern Lower Saxony. Other historic buildings include the former manor house, the “Moishus,” and the 18th-century Rentamt. The outer ward holds baroque buildings like the forester’s house (1685) and Rentamt (1748/50).
The Burg Adelebsen Foundation maintains the castle and its estate using income from forestry, farming, and rental properties. It is currently overseen by Simeon Graf Wolff-Metternich, a descendant of the Adelebsen family.
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.