Birstein Castle

Birstein Castle, located in the municipality of Birstein on the northeastern edge of the Main-Kinzig district in Hesse, has been the residence of the Princes of Isenburg-Birstein since 1517.

The castle stands on a narrow ridge and is grouped around three successive courtyards. It developed from a core castle between the 12th and 18th centuries. Subsequently, the complex was hardly altered. In the 19th century, fortifications were demolished, and a landscape park was added.

The central part of the complex is formed by the medieval castle, which encloses the small courtyard. Between the forecourt and the core castle lies the New Palace, built between 1763 and 1768, as a building block. It integrates the keep of the castle complex on its rear side. To the north, the forecourt adjoins, completely enclosed on three sides and partially on one. From there, the castle complex is entered. The Archive and Chancellery building, erected in 1733 by the Hanau master builder Christian Ludwig Hermann, serves as the portal. North of the core castle is the coach yard, surrounded by Renaissance buildings from the 16th century. Most of their roofs were redesigned in the Baroque style in the 18th century. The buildings have rich historical furnishings. The family of the Princes of Isenburg-Birstein still inhabits the castle today.