Rusteberg (Old) Castle

The first documented mention of Rusteberg Castle occurred in 1123. As early as around 1160, the originally only lightly fortified complex was destroyed by Landgrave Ludwig II of Thuringia. In the 12th century, Archbishop Adalbert I significantly expanded the Mainz territory in Eichsfeld and secured it through the construction of several castles, including Rusteberg. The castle had a burgrave's office and the archbishops stayed there. In the 13th century, the houses of Everstein and Wittgenstein provided the burgraves. From the mid-14th century, many administrative tasks were transferred to Heiligenstadt, but the administrative office remained at the castle until 1540.