Erichsburg Castle

The history of Erichsburg begins with Hunnesrück Castle, built in the 13th century by the Counts of Dassel. This predecessor castle was conquered and destroyed in 1521 during the Hildesheim Diocesan Feud by Duke Erich I and Heinrich the Younger of Wolfenbüttel. Instead of rebuilding the damaged Hunnesrück Castle, Duke Erich I had Erichsburg built between 1527 and 1530. It was named after his son, Erich II, born in 1528, who later became duke, and served Erich I as a temporary administrative seat. During its construction, he still resided at Hunnesrück Castle. Between 1604 and 1612, Erichsburg was expanded under Duke Julius of Wolfenbüttel and his master builder Paul Francke. However, by 1688, parts of the original structure had to be demolished due to damage. From 1891 to 1980, Erichsburg was leased by the Hanoverian State Church, initially as a seminary for preachers and later as a retreat center. In 1980, the complex passed into private ownership.