Hoher Schwarm Castle

The origins of Hoher Schwarm date back to an older defensive structure, which was destroyed in 1199 by Landgrave Hermann I. After its reconstruction, the complex suffered another demolition in 1290 by order of King Rudolf I. From 1208, the former imperial city of Saalfeld belonged to the County of Schwarzburg. The Counts of Schwarzburg had the castle at least partially rebuilt and began around 1300 with the construction of a residential castle, the Kitzerstein, east of the castle, partly on the city wall. In 1389, when the castle was still inhabited and known as Sorbenburg, it was sold along with the Lordship of Saalfeld to the Wettins. It continued to serve as an administrative seat, but lost its military significance in the 15th century.