Lichtenburg Castle (Ruin)

The first documented mention of Lichtenburg dates back to 1159, when it was owned by a collateral line of the Hennebergs. Heinrich I von Henneberg-Irmelshausen is considered its probable founder, while the minnesinger Otto I von Henneberg-Botenlauben was among its most significant lords. In 1230, the complex was referred to as a “Castrum”. Under the Fulda abbot Heinrich VI, the castle's fortifications were strengthened in 1315, and the keep was erected. From this point on, Lichtenburg served as the administrative and protective seat of the Lichtenberg office. In the mid-14th century, the castle returned to the Hennebergs, specifically the Henneberg-Römhild family branch, before later passing into Saxon possession. The Peasants' War in the 16th century led to considerable destruction, but the castle was quickly rebuilt. The last bailiff, Friedrich Sebastian von Stein, left Lichtenburg in 1680, after which the administration of the Lichtenberg office was moved to Ostheim, and the castle lost its significance as an administrative seat.