Details
Founded: 1372Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Habsburg Dynasty (Germany)
User Reviews
The ruins of Sichelnstein Castle are located in the village of Sichelnstein, part of Staufenberg in Lower Saxony, Germany.
The castle’s origin and name are not clearly documented, but it likely dates back to the 9th century, built by descendants of Saxon nobles who settled in the region. A knight named Wittilo von Sichelnstein, mentioned in 933, is considered one of its earliest lords.
In 1372, during the Sterner War, Duke Otto the Quade of Brunswick rebuilt and fortified the castle to attack Hesse, but was defeated and had to surrender it in 1374. The castle changed hands frequently and later served as a widow’s residence and administrative center. By the 1500s, it was under Hessian control again. Villages around it paid taxes to the castle into the 16th century.
The castle was likely destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War and fell into ruin. Its stones were later reused in nearby buildings, including a church built in 1787. Only fragments remain today.
Restored between 1973 and 1979, the ruins now host cultural events. A covered open-air stage in the courtyard is used for concerts, weddings, and celebrations, making the castle a community cultural venue.
The castle had a horseshoe-shaped layout, with a thick outer wall up to 10 meters high. Inside, traces of medieval living quarters remain, including arrow-slit windows, fireplaces, and latrine turrets. A deep moat once protected the west side; the only entrance was a gate with a drawbridge on the east.
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.