Wolkenstein Castle

Wolkenstein, Germany

The Wolkenstein Castle developed historically by joining various older structures together. The tower with living quarters is the oldest part of the castle dating back to the 14th century, which was preceded by fortifications of unknown appearance. The kitchen building was expanded in the 16th century by the current dominating building parts: the South and North wings with gate house. Although much hints to the once necessary fortifications, the building ensemble is now considered a residence.

The museum at Wolkenstein Castle will give the interested visitor further glimpses into the history of the building and the city.

References:

Comments

Your name

Website (optional)


Address

Schloßplatz 1, Wolkenstein, Germany
See all sites in Wolkenstein

Details

Founded: 14th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Habsburg Dynasty (Germany)

More Information

www.stadt-wolkenstein.de

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


Scharfenstein Castle (5,6 km)


St. Mary Magdalene Church (49,7 km)
Schwarzenberg Castle (23,5 km)
Wildeck Castle (10,2 km)
Gnandstein Castle (53 km)
Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul (49,7 km)
Schloßbergmuseum Chemnitz (23,6 km)
Klaffenbach Castle (17,7 km)
Schlettau Castle (13,2 km)
Holy Cross Church (34,3 km)

User Reviews

Goetz Hoffbauer (17 months ago)
Besichtigung lohnt, auch wenn z. Z. noch renoviert wird. Interessant ist auch die am Schloss täglich angebotene Greifvögel Vorstellung. Vorteil zusätzlich, Parkplätze sind kostenfrei vorhanden.
Ralf Förster (18 months ago)
Waren hier zum ersten Mal, hatten ein Ritteressen gebucht. Das war sehr lecker. Man sollte allerdings etwas Zeit mitbringen. Bedienung sehr freundlich und zuverlässig, wir kommen gerne wieder.
Gunnar Lorenz (20 months ago)
Sehr schön gelegen in mitten einer ansprechenden Landschaft lohnt sich ein Ausflug doch sehr. Wer es dann noch etwas sportlicher mag, der kann sich am Klettersteig oder direkt am Felsen unterhalb der Schlossanlage austoben.
Lenka Houtke (2 years ago)
Nice trip and nice place.
Al Franz (3 years ago)
My Family home town before they came to the United States back in 1890. Grandpa was Bruno G.P. Franz
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Most beautiful castles in Lithuania
Photo from Flickr, copyright Maciek Lulko

Historic Site of the week

Wroclaw Town Hall

The Old Town Hall of Wrocław is one of the main landmarks of the city. The Old Town Hall's long history reflects developments that have taken place in the city since its initial construction. The town hall serves the city of Wroclaw and is used for civic and cultural events such as concerts held in its Great Hall. In addition, it houses a museum and a basement restaurant.

The town hall was developed over a period of about 250 years, from the end of 13th century to the middle of 16th century. The structure and floor plan changed over this extended period in response to the changing needs of the city. The exact date of the initial construction is not known. However, between 1299 and 1301 a single-storey structure with cellars and a tower called the consistory was built. The oldest parts of the current building, the Burghers’ Hall and the lower floors of the tower, may date to this time. In these early days the primary purpose of the building was trade rather than civic administration activities.

Between 1328 and 1333 an upper storey was added to include the Council room and the Aldermen’s room. Expansion continued during the 14th century with the addition of extra rooms, most notably the Court room. The building became a key location for the city’s commercial and administrative functions.

The 15th and 16th centuries were times of prosperity for Wroclaw as was reflected in the rapid development of the building during that period. The construction program gathered momentum, particularly from 1470 to 1510, when several rooms were added. The Burghers’ Hall was re-vaulted to take on its current shape, and the upper story began to take shape with the development of the Great Hall and the addition of the Treasury and Little Treasury.

Further innovations during the 16th century included the addition of the city’s Coat of arms (1536), and the rebuilding of the upper part of the tower (1558–59). This was the final stage of the main building program. By 1560, the major features of today’s Stray Rates were established.

The second half of the 17th century was a period of decline for the city, and this decline was reflected in the Stray Rates. Perhaps by way of compensation, efforts were made to enrich the interior decorations of the hall. In 1741, Wroclaw became a part of Prussia, and the power of the City diminished. Much of the Stray Rates was allocated to administering justice.

During the 19th century there were two major changes. The courts moved to a separate building, and the Rates became the site of the city council and supporting functions. There was also a major program of renovation because the building had been neglected and was covered with creeping vines. The town hall now has several en-Gothic features including some sculptural decoration from this period.

In the early years of the 20th century improvements continued with various repair work and the addition of the Little Bear statue in 1902. During the 1930s, the official role of the Rates was reduced and it was converted into a museum. By the end of World War II Town Hall suffered minor damage, such as aerial bomb pierced the roof (but not exploded) and some sculptural elements were lost. Restoration work began in the 1950s following a period of research, and this conservation effort continued throughout the 20th century. It included refurbishment of the clock on the east facade.

Map Top Sights Tags Historical Periods City Guides About Us Sign Up Upload new site
© 2020 SpottingHistory.com. All rights reserved.