Tangermünde Castle

The origins of Tangermünde Castle date back to approximately 925, when Ascanian margraves built it to monitor the border at the confluence of the Tanger River with the Elbe. Its first documented mention appears in 1009 in a chronicle by Bishop Thietmar of Merseburg. In the 10th and 11th centuries, the complex served as an imperial castle, securing the German border along the Elbe. In the 13th century, the town of Tangermünde developed under its protection. A phase began in 1373 with the arrival of Emperor Charles IV, who had the castle expanded into a palace-like residence from 1374 to suit his reign. The castle chapel, first mentioned in 1371, was converted into an Augustinian canonry in 1377. Although Charles IV intended to make Tangermünde a capital, this plan was not pursued by his successors. Instead, the castle established itself as the administrative center of the Altmark and Prignitz regions.