Details
Founded: 13th centuryCategory: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Habsburg Dynasty (Germany)
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First mentioned in 1293, Aerzen castle predates this record. The Counts of Everstein granted Aerzen to the Archbishops of Cologne and received half back as a fief. In 1408, Hermann VII of Everstein gave Aerzen as a dowry when betrothing his daughter Elisabeth to Otto IV of Brunswick-Lüneburg.
From 1433, the Welf dukes pledged the domain to the Bishopric of Hildesheim, which passed it on in 1508 to Stacius von Münchhausen and Heinrich von Hardenberg. After Stacius was killed in 1517 during a dispute, his son and grandson—both named Hilmar von Münchhausen—retained control and influence. They later built Schwöbber Castle nearby as a private residence.
In the 16th century, the Münchhausen family built the castle’s north wing in Renaissance style. The buildings were burned in 1642 during the Thirty Years' War but rebuilt afterward and used as an administrative estate. It remained a state domain until 1962, then became a school. Between 1985 and 1989, the south and west wings were restored.
Aerzen Castle now serves as a cultural center hosting regular events.
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.