Büdingen Castle

The castle's origins lie in a Staufer water castle built in the 12th century to protect the royal hunting grounds between Kinzig and Nidder, as well as the Roman Limes. The castle was first documented in 1219. The original owners were the Lords of Büdingen, who were also burgraves of Gelnhausen. After the male line of the family died out around 1247, the estates passed to various houses, including the House of Isenburg, which developed the complex into a fortified castle and residence over the following centuries. An imperial privilege from 1330, allowing weekly and annual markets, fostered the prosperity of the citizens.