Old Castle (Gießen)

The Old Castle (Gießen), also known as the Landgrave's Castle (Gießen), is located in the center of the university city of Gießen. The building borders the Botanical Garden on its northeast and southeast sides, the Kanzleiberg on its southwest side, and the Brandplatz on its northwest side.

The castle was built around 1300 as an extension of the city fortifications and a second moated castle. The first documented mention is found in 1364 as the seat of Landgrave Henry II.

Until the 19th century, the castle served as a widow's residence, dwelling, Landgrave's residence, and court of justice. From 1604, it housed a Princely Chancellery (which is why the adjacent street still bears the name Kanzleiberg today).

Originally, a palace in the northwest, the residential and stable building in the southwest, a connecting building to the Brandplatz in the northeast, and a tower with a defensive wall and moat to the southeast were arranged around a narrow castle courtyard. In 1891, some buildings had to be demolished due to dilapidation. In 1893, the city took over the castle to use it for the collections of the Upper Hessian Historical Society and the Wilhelm-Gail Foundation.

After the renovation in 1903 in the Neo-Renaissance style (plans: Ludwig Hoffmann), the castle became the main seat of the Upper Hessian Museum.

The Heidenturm with its Welsche Haube remained unchanged, as did the main gate in the southeast.

The masonry of the other buildings was freed from plaster, the roof also received a completely new appearance, and the interiors were completely redesigned for use as a museum.

During the air raids on Gießen in 1944, the castle completely burned out.