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Founded: 11th centuryCategory: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Ottonian Dynasty (Germany)
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Plesse Castle, located near Bovenden north of Göttingen, dates back to at least 1015 when it was transferred to the city of Paderborn. From 1150, it was home to the Lords of Plesse, who took their name from the castle. In 1447, they handed it over to Landgrave Ludwig of Hesse, receiving it back as a fief for protection amid regional conflicts.
The Protestant Reformation reached the area in 1536. After the Plesse family line ended in 1571, the castle became part of Hesse-Kassel. In 1614, the population was converted to the Reformed faith. The castle was briefly occupied during the Thirty Years’ War and abandoned in 1660, later used as a quarry.
After changing hands during the Napoleonic era, the castle became part of Hanover in 1817. Restoration began in 1821 and was completed by 1864. The region’s Reformed Church affiliation still reflects its Hesse heritage today.
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.