Auerbach Castle

The origins of Auerbach Castle date back to the 12th century, when it was built during the eastward expansion to protect Franconian and Thuringian settlers. It was first documented in 1348 as "Castrum Urbach," with Conradus de Urbach named as the lord of the castle, a vassal of the bailiffs of Gera, Weida, and Plauen. From 1350, the castle came into the possession of the bailiffs and was expanded several times. Originally, it featured a drawbridge spanning a 17-meter moat, and the tower was only accessible via a rope ladder at a height of 12 meters. A second access was only created in 1705. In 1757, the castle was largely destroyed by a city fire and demolished except for a remnant of the keep.