Apolda Castle

The origins of the castle date back to the Frankish era, when Apolda was already a regional center and the counts of the Husitin Gau held court here. In 1191, a Count Wichmann is mentioned as a possible lord of the castle. From the 13th century, the Vitzthume of Apolda are documented as ministerial officials of the Electorate of Mainz. Later, at the end of the 14th century, the Wettins took over the feudal lordship. During the Saxon Fratricidal War in 1451, the original castle was destroyed. The current castle was built in its place, incorporating parts of the old castle walls. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the complex underwent further structural changes, including the still-preserved Vitzthumbau.