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Founded: 14th centuryCategory: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Habsburg Dynasty (Germany)
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Winsen Castle, located in Winsen (Luhe) in northern Lower Saxony, is the city's most significant secular building.
First documented in 1315 (likely older), the castle was built near a crossing of the Luhe River, possibly as early as 1190, to protect the town's port after Bardowick’s destruction in 1189. Over centuries, the castle changed hands frequently, including ownership by Lüneburg, Hamburg, Lübeck, and the Electors of Saxony. From 1593–1617, it served as the residence of Duchess Dorothea of Brunswick-Lüneburg, who oversaw local administration and initiated witch trials—about 40 alleged witches were executed.
The castle was later used primarily for administrative purposes. Since 1852, it has housed the court, and briefly also the district administration. After WWII damage in Harburg, the Winsen castle temporarily served again as a county seat until 1961. Since the 1990s, it has been solely used by the district court.
Built mostly in Renaissance style, the castle consists of three wings around an open courtyard, once closed off by a now-lost fourth wing. Constructed in brick with timber framing, it retains a fortified character despite lost defensive features. Notable is the castle tower, which holds a 1596 bell donated by Duchess Dorothea.
Inside, there are elements from various periods, including a late Gothic vaulted cellar and Renaissance decorative additions. Major renovations took place from 1994 to 2016.
The castle is owned by the State of Lower Saxony. While the interior is not usually open to the public (due to court use), exceptions include events like Open Monument Day. The chapel hosts concerts and weddings. A small museum opened in the tower in 2008. In the courtyard stands a cannon from 1863, added in 1917 as decoration.
The castle park, formerly private, is now open to visitors and known as “Dorothea’s Garden”, featured in the 2006 State Garden Show. Nearby are the town hall, St. Mary’s Church, and the Marstall, a historic stable building now used as a library, museum, and tourist center.
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.