Tharandt Castle

Margrave Dietrich of Meissen had the first complex built between 1206 and 1215 to protect against the burgraves of Dohna. A ministerialis named Boriwo de Tarant was appointed castle captain and first documented in 1216. The castle was designed after the Tyrolean castle Tarantsberg. After Dietrich's assassination in 1221, Landgrave Ludwig of Thuringia conquered the castle in 1224, during which it burned down. Under Margrave Heinrich the Illustrious, the current complex was rebuilt from 1240 to 1256. In the 14th century, the castle was temporarily pledged to the Counts of Schönburg and expanded into one of the strongest fortresses in the country. After the Dohna Feud, it lost its border protection function. During the Hussite Wars, it served as a safe place for important documents. From 1476, Duchess Sidonie resided at the castle for periods, which was made more comfortable for this purpose and provided with a new, horse-drawn carriage accessible entrance. After Sidonie's death in 1510, the castle fell into disrepair; parts were reused for other buildings.