Wilhelmsburg Castle

The William Castle in the town of Schmalkalden was a secondary residence of the Landgrave of Hesse. It is one of the most important Renaissance installations in central Germany, which has barely experienced structural changes today and is received nearly in its original state.

History

In 1583, the Landgrave of Hesse sole owner of the so far together with the Counts of Henneberg dominated Schmalkalden were. Wilhelm IV of Hesse raised the city Schmalkalden immediately to his side residences. He tore down the Dating back to the 12th century castle Waltaff and start in place of 1584 the construction of the castle was named after him. On May 23, 1590, the castle was inaugurated, although the building was not yet complete. The interior was the Landgrave of Kassel procure. William's son Maurice talked often and long in Schmalkalden on; under him the castle was finally completed in 1618. Under Maurice's successors used less and less, the castle was finally abandoned altogether in the early 19th century. In 1873 it took over the club for Henneberg history and regional studies and led it to use as a museum.

Plant

Located on the City Palace is a four-wing building with a nearly square floor plan. The extensive grounds include a parade ground, Torwächterhaus, pleasure garden, kitchen garden, prison tower, stables and bakery and brewery. The spatial arrangement corresponds to a representative residential palace. The rooms were equipped with roll and strapwork, as they are decorated with decorative paintings - this includes a copy of the Iwein epic of Hartmann von Aue in the basement.

The magnificent Castle Church, built by the Dutchman Willem Vernukken, is one of the most beautiful and oldest Protestant churches in Germany.

Organ

The Renaissance organ in the castle church is one of the oldest playable instruments of this kind in Central Europe. It was commissioned by the Landgrave Wilhelm IV in order. It was created by Daniel Meyer from Göttingen. Your special timbre receives the organ by 252 wooden pipes, six registers and the so-called bird Schrey. The instrument was played for the first time on 23 May 1590 on the occasion of the consecration connected with the inauguration of the castle the castle church.

Museum

  • In the castle, the permanent exhibition is " dawn of a new era " with the emphases Renaissance, Reformation and Schmalkaldic covenant.
  • Luther and the witches. Special exhibition at Castle William Castle until 15 January 2013.
715680
de