Stein Castle, Medieval castle in Hartenstein, Germany
Stein Castle is a castle in Hartenstein that stands on hornblende cliffs above the Zwickauer Mulde River and features a round tower with defensive walls. Stone walls enclose an inner courtyard from which you can see the surrounding landscape.
Construction of the castle began around 1200 as an outer fortification of the nearby Hartenstein Castle. In 1701 it was converted into an independent residence for local rulers.
The castle displays objects from the lives of Saxon noble families and tells stories about the region around the Zwickauer Mulde River. The exhibition shows how residents lived here and what role the estate played in local society.
You can explore large sections of the castle grounds on foot and visit the house museum, which opens up various rooms. Guided tours help you understand the medieval architecture and how the defensive towers are arranged.
The castle was the site of a famous kidnapping in 1455 when the knight Kunz von Kaufungen captured the Saxon princes Ernest and Albert during a power conflict. This event significantly influenced the power struggles of Saxon nobility at the time.
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