1000 years of history full of life
It towers almost majestically over Eisenach in Thuringia - Wartburg Castle. It is the first German castle to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the ideal castle of the feudal era in Central Europe, despite its alterations in later centuries. 1000 years of German history are impressively reflected here.
According to legend, it was founded in 1067 and the main building - the Palas - dating back to the 12th century, still bears witness to its former heyday as a treasure of late Romanesque architecture. The landgrave's headquarters shone as a famous court of the muses, where all the fine arts were cultivated, songs by Walther von der Vogelweide were sung and poems by Wolfram von Eschenbach were written. The legendary Singers' War tells of this and achieved true world fame through Richard Wagner's opera "Tannhäuser". Wartburg Castle was also the home and workplace of St. Elisabeth, who is still revered today, and offered exile to the ostracized Martin Luther, who translated the New Testament here. With reference to Luther, the Reformation and the Battle of Leipzig, the student Wartburg Festival in 1817 was the first manifestation of the civic will for a unified and free nation state.
Wartburg Castle was the setting for all these highlights of German history - it was a fortified stronghold, a magnificent residence, a hostel, a place of refuge and retreat for its inhabitants from centuries past. Never in its history has this castle been forgotten.
However, it was not until the 19th century that it underwent a renewal and decorative redevelopment - medieval building fabric was restored and supplemented by new buildings. An outstanding example of the artistic conception of the last century is undoubtedly the ballroom in the castle's palace, which today provides a unique backdrop for the famous Wartburg concerts in the summer months and numerous events.
The Wartburg art collection, with its treasures spanning eight centuries, was established almost 200 years ago on the recommendation of J. W. Goethe.
On a guided tour through the rooms of the Wartburg and a visit to the museum with its famous paintings by Lucas Cranach, valuable tapestries, sculptures by Tilmann Riemenschneider, Renaissance handicrafts and high-quality furniture, history, culture and art will accompany you every step of the way and the numerous events - whether summer nights, theater or the historic Christmas market - attract visitors from all over the world and fill the old walls with life in a special way.
Wartburg - Ballroom - Photo: A. Nestler
Wartburg Castle - View from the east - Photo: A. Nestler
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