Straufhain Castle

The origins of Straufhain Castle, formerly also known as “Struphe,” possibly date back to the 9th century. Written records from 1156 attest to a “Helbold de Strufe” as a vassal. Under the Counts of Henneberg, especially Poppo VI. and Poppo VII., the castle experienced a flourishing period and developed into a cultural center. From 1247, the castle's sphere of influence extended to the Coburg care area, making it the largest power center south of the Thuringian Forest. The castle was presumably destroyed around 1525, its role later taken over by Veste Coburg and Veste Heldburg. In the 18th century, four stories of the palas were still preserved, and the Dukes of Saxe-Hildburghausen used the ruin as a backdrop for theatrical performances.