Schloss Frauenstein, Renaissance castle in Frauenstein, Germany.
Schloss Frauenstein is a castle complex in the Erzgebirge region with two perpendicular wings that rise three stories high. In the courtyard, an octagonal stair tower topped with a baroque dome and lantern sits at the corner where the two building sections meet.
Construction took place between 1585 and 1588 under the direction of Heinrich von Schönberg, who hired architect Hans Irmisch for the project. This new castle replaced the older medieval fortress that previously stood on the site and marked a shift toward Renaissance architecture in the region.
The castle reflects the prosperity of mining families who shaped the region, and its grand design shows how wealth from the earth allowed them to build monuments that remain central to local identity. The complex still draws visitors who connect the building to the stories of those who lived and worked in this part of the Erzgebirge.
The castle can be viewed from the outside throughout the year, offering clear views of the Renaissance design and its position on the hillside. Visit in good weather to see the architectural details of the facade and tower most clearly.
From certain viewpoints, the castle appears shorter than it actually is because the hillside hides two of its three stories. This perspective trick created by the slope makes each angle of approach reveal the building differently.
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