Marienluft Castle

The castle's origins date back to the 12th century, with a settlement first documented in 1190. As early as 1157, the Knights of Wasungen were mentioned, indicating a founding before 1150. After the extinction of this lineage, the castle passed to the younger line of the Lords of Wasungen, presumably descended from the Hennebergs. Around 1228, Wasungen was granted as a fief to the Counts of Henneberg, who had the castle administered by ministerials and expanded it with a keep in the early 13th century. After the Henneberg main division in 1274, the castle became the seat of the Wasungen district court and served as an administrative center between 1299 and 1446. In the 16th century, the castle lost its military significance, and the fortifications began to decay.