Schwarzenberg Castle

The construction of Schwarzenberg Castle began in 1301 by Eberhard II of the Mark, who allied with Count Ludwig of Arnsberg for this purpose. The aim was to secure the southern border of the Märkisch count's house. In 1352, Engelbert III of the Mark had the Arnsberg castle house destroyed and subsequently held sole possession of the complex. He had the castle, which primarily consisted of a residential tower and a compact core, expanded and reinforced. During his reign, Schwarzenberg temporarily served as a residence. After changing ownership, including through pledges to the Dukes of Berg and the Plettenberg family, the castle came into the possession of Heidenreich von Plettenberg in 1513. By the 17th century, the residential tower and castle chapel were already ruins.