Lichtenberg Castle (Ruin)

The origins of Lichtenberg Castle likely date back to the 12th century, with the Dukes of Merania considered as potential builders. After the extinction of this line in 1248, the castle passed by inheritance to the Counts of Orlamünde. In 1414, Count Sigismund received the complex but had to transfer it as a fief to Elector Friedrich I of Brandenburg in 1427 due to conflicts with the Landgraves of Thuringia. Shortly thereafter, the castle was sold to Caspar von Waldenfels. It successfully resisted the Hussites in 1430 and a Nuremberg contingent in 1444. During the Second Margrave War, the castle was destroyed in 1554 by imperial troops. A castle-like new building was erected from 1560, which was sold to Prince Janusius Radziwill in 1618.