Blankenburg Castle, Medieval castle in Blankenburg, Germany
Blankenburg Castle is a fortress on a limestone hill named Blankenstein and displays features from both the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The structure includes multiple wings and contains a chapel with an octagonal shape.
The fortress began construction in the 12th century and underwent multiple transformations, with architect Hermann Korb remaking the building in Baroque style during the early 1700s. This period marked the most significant redesign in the structure's history.
The castle's court was known for its festivals, hunts and theatre performances under Duke Louis Rudolf. A carved head in the castle wall recalls the night raid by Dietrich of Wernigerode around 1386, when Count Busso was absent. A plaque with Latin and German inscriptions commemorates the 1546 fire and shows Count Ulrich, Countess Magdalena and their ten children.
The castle stands on the 305-metre limestone hill of Blankenstein south of Blankenburg's old town, so the approach is uphill. Since 2005 the Rettung Schloss Blankenburg association has secured the building and reopened first sections; other parts remain closed. Check locally which areas are accessible before climbing up.
A future Queen of Greece was born at the castle, and her engagement to the Crown Prince was celebrated there in 1937. This royal connection ties the location to European royal families.
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