Tonndorf Castle

The origins of Tonndorf Castle likely date back to the 12th century, with its existence first documented in 1248. Initially a Mainz fief of the Counts of Weimar-Orlamünde, the complex was pledged to the Burgraves of Kirchberg in 1235. Between 1277 and 1287, it was under the direct administration of the Archbishopric of Mainz before reverting to the Counts of Weimar-Orlamünde. During the Thuringian Counts' War in 1346, the city of Erfurt conquered the castle, making it its permanent possession from 1351, serving as an outpost against the Saale. In the Peasants' War of 1525, the castle was stormed by rebellious farmers. The complex served various purposes, including as a factory and from 1938 as a children's recreation home, later as a training center.