Breitungen Castle, Medieval castle in Herrenbreitungen, Germany.
Breitungen Castle is a fortified complex in Thuringia that combines structures from multiple periods. The site features a four-winged Renaissance building, a medieval tower, and the remnants of a monastery garden enclosed by stone walls.
The site began as a Benedictine abbey in the 12th century and was converted into a Renaissance residence around 1560 by Count Poppon XII of Henneberg. This transformation reflects the religious and social upheaval of that era in the region.
The castle blends monastic and noble architectural features that reveal how the place shifted from religious community to private residence. You can see this mix in the buildings from different periods standing side by side.
The privately owned castle has been undergoing restoration work since 2007, with certain sections closed to ensure proper conservation. Visitors should check ahead to learn which areas are open and what conditions to expect when arriving.
The basilica towers of the castle serve as nesting sites for jackdaws, birds commonly seen in this part of southern Thuringia. These feathered residents have made the architecture their home and remain part of the site's character today.
Location: Breitungen
GPS coordinates: 50.75220,10.34590
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45
Thuringia contains a notable variety of historic sites, from medieval castles on wooded heights to baroque palaces in landscaped parks. The region preserves Romanesque monastic complexes such as Paulinzella, Renaissance residences including Wilhelmsburg in Schmalkalden, and significant collections like the Lindenau Museum in Altenburg. Beyond architectural landmarks, Thuringia offers geological features: the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes are considered the most colorful show mine in the world, the Barbarossa Cave near Rottleben is one of Europe's largest anhydrite caves, and the Morassina healing caves in Schmiedefeld have served therapeutic purposes since the 19th century. Cultural institutions range from technical museums such as the Ziegenrück hydroelectric power museum to the Apolda bell foundry museum and botanical installations like the Japanese garden in Bad Langensalza. Historic transportation systems including the Oberweissbach mountain railway, which has covered a vertical rise of 1,060 feet (323 meters) since 1923, complement the offerings. Natural monuments such as the Dragon Gorge near Eisenach, a narrow ravine with rock walls reaching 33 feet (10 meters) in height, and viewpoints like Leuchtenburg above the Saale valley combine natural and cultural experiences.
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6.2 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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