Prinzeßhof Palais

The first documented mention of a building on this site dates back to 1556, when it served as a residence for the Itzehoe Monastery. In 1569, the Steinburg bailiff Otto von Thienen acquired the property and erected a double building, which he then called Thienenhof. For about 80 years, this court served as his family's residence. The Prinzeßhof largely survived the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War unscathed, unlike many other buildings in Itzehoe. An extensive expansion took place in 1674 under bailiff Niklas von Brüggemann, during which the building was enlarged by a third, fitted with a high hip roof, and the central portal was redesigned in Baroque style. Until the early 19th century, the palace saw numerous changes of residents and corresponding renovations. It served as a residence and administrative seat for several bailiffs and was owned by families such as the Blomes and Count Rochus Friedrich zu Lynar. From 1807, it was briefly the residence of Elector Wilhelm I of Hesse-Kassel, who had fled from Napoleon.