Brandenstein Castle

The origins of Brandenstein Castle date back to the High Middle Ages, likely built after 1243 by a branch of the Lords of Steckelberg. It was first documented in 1278 as the property of Hermann von Brandenstein. In 1307, the castle became a fief of the Counts of Rieneck-Rothenfels and in 1316 came into the possession of Ulrich IV of Hanau, who expanded it into an administrative seat. Between 1424 and 1540, the castle was pledged to and later enfeoffed by the Lords of Eberstein. After the Ebersteins died out, Brandenstein reverted to Hanau and was transformed into a Renaissance castle after 1540. During the Thirty Years' War, it served as a refuge for the surrounding population. In 1717, the castle was pledged to the Landgraves of Hesse-Kassel, and in 1866, after the annexation of Electoral Hesse, it became Prussian state property.