Dankwarderode Castle

As early as the 11th century, a fortification of the Brunonian counts existed on an island in the Oker River, first documented in 1134. Between 1160 and 1175, Duke Henry the Lion built Dankwarderode Castle as a palatinate on this site. The main building, a two-story palas with a double chapel, was modeled after the Imperial Palace of Goslar and featured direct access to Braunschweig Cathedral. In 1252, the castle was severely damaged by a fire and subsequently lost its military significance as it became surrounded by the growing city. The castle walls were dismantled in the 16th century, and the palas underwent a Renaissance-style renovation in 1616.