Friedensburg Castle (Leutenberg)

The site's origins date back to the 9th century, when Slavic tribes established a refuge castle here for protection against eastern Sorbs. A medieval castle is documented from the 14th century, serving first as the seat of the ministeriales of Lutenburg and later the Counts of Schwarzburg-Leutenberg. Between 1362 and 1564, the Counts of Schwarzburg-Leutenberg held their seat of power here. Following inheritance disputes in the 16th century involving the Schwarzburgers, Leutenbergers, and the Counts of Orlamünde, the complex was named Friedensburg (Peace Castle), first documented in writing in 1718. Between 1491 and 1525, reconstruction gave the castle its current appearance.