Details
Founded: c. 1350Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Habsburg Dynasty (Germany)
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Schöningen Castle was built around 1350 by Duke Magnus I of Brunswick-Lüneburg as a hunting lodge and border fortress near the territories of Halberstadt and Magdeburg. It became a prestigious residence for the Welf dukes, often hosting large hunting parties.
Originally a late medieval complex, the castle was extensively remodeled in the 16th and 17th centuries for residential and later agricultural use. Despite changes, the original layout remains visible. Key features include the chapel with ribbed vaults, square corner towers, and remnants of the old palace in the basement. The castle park and gardens were redesigned in the 1990s.
Damaged during the Schmalkaldic War (1542), the castle was later rebuilt and served as a widow’s residence for three ducal women. The fortress was dismantled in 1661. Over the years, several noblewomen lived here, including Anna-Sophie of Brunswick and Katharina of Brandenburg. In 1681, the castle hosted the wedding of Elisabeth Eleonore of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel.
After the administrative seat moved to Helmstedt in 1815, the castle became a farm estate, leading to the decay of many buildings. Farming operations ended in 1970. The city of Schöningen gradually repurchased and restored parts of the site from 1978 to 2000.
Schöningen Castle is today partially restored and open to the public. It houses a hotel-restaurant, youth center, and cultural institutions. The baroque garden, restored in the 1990s, complements the historic site.
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.