Berleburg Castle (Bad Berleburg)

The origins of Berleburg Castle date back to the 13th century, when it was built as a hilltop castle. In 1258, it passed into the possession of Count Siegfried I. and monastic bailiff Adolf I. of Grafschaft. An initial dual rule ended in 1332, when Widekind of Grafschaft relinquished his claims in favor of Siegfried II. of Wittgenstein. After the death of the last Wittgenstein count, his son-in-law Salentin von Sayn inherited the estate and founded the House of Sayn-Wittgenstein. In the 16th century, the castle underwent expansions: between 1555 and 1557, the two-story north wing was extended, followed by the construction of the gatehouse in 1585.