Brake Castle

The origins of Schloss Brake date back to the late 12th century, when nobleman Bernhard II zur Lippe had a stone castle built around 1190, whose dimensions were similar to those of the present castle. The complex was first documented in 1306 as “castrum brac” and became the preferred residence of the noble lords, later counts, of Lippe. In 1447, the castle was conquered and plundered during the Soest Feud. Around 1500, Brake lost importance as Detmold was expanded into the main residence. Later, around 1570, Brake served as a dower house for Katharina von Waldeck, who had the south wing modernized and the gatehouse renewed. Count Simon VI zur Lippe designated the castle as his seat of government around 1587 and had it extensively rebuilt in the Renaissance style, creating the north wing with its banqueting hall and the tower with princely chambers. In 1663, Count Casimir zu Lippe-Brake redesigned the east wing and parts of the south wing, as well as renewing the Schäferpforte. A Baroque garden with an orangery was created to the north.