Tannroda Castle

The origins of the castle complex probably date back to the 12th century, with its first documented mention in 1194. The Lords of Tannrode, first named in 1174, were the original owners. In 1392, the castle passed as a fief to the Lords of Querfurt, before coming into the possession of the Vitzthum family in 1418. After the castle belonged to the robber knight Apel Vitzthum in 1465, it was destroyed by citizens from Erfurt and Weimar. Subsequently, it fell to the Counts of Gleichen-Blankenhain and in 1487 to the Lords of Bünau. Following a fire in 1551, it was converted into a two-part castle, consisting of the Red and Blue Castles. In 1597, the Lords of Gleichen became co-owners. Another fire in 1775 destroyed the Red Castle and the keep, after which the Red Castle was demolished in 1824.