Welfenschloss, Renaissance castle in Hann. Münden, Germany
Welfenschloss is a Renaissance castle in Hann. Münden featuring two rooms with extensive wall paintings connected by a wooden gallery throughout its floors. The structure is crowned by a Gothic staircase tower that rises prominently above the rest of the building.
Built in 1501 as a Gothic structure, the castle burned in 1560 and was rebuilt starting in 1571 under Duke Erich II in Weser Renaissance style. This reconstruction transformed the building from its original Gothic form into a Renaissance showpiece.
The castle houses the city museum, where exhibits show local history and long-distance trade routes that shaped the region. Visitors also see works by sculptor Gustav Eberlein and learn about Münden faience production, a craft tradition that defined the town.
The building houses several public institutions including a district court, city archive, and library that are accessible to visitors during operating hours. Two event halls named Ritter and Lepanto can be accessed for different occasions.
The Renaissance rooms contain wall paintings of exceptional quality that are considered unmatched in artistic value north of the Alps. These murals demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship and artistry that the region's rulers sought to display.
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