Hadamar Castle

The castle's origins date back to the late 12th century when a farm belonging to Eberbach Abbey was established on this site. It is presumed that a fortified house was built shortly thereafter, replacing an older tower castle. Following disputes over ownership, the abbey sold the farm in 1320 to Count Emich of Nassau, who had a moated castle and an economic courtyard built there. With the granting of town rights to Hadamar in 1324, the castle was integrated into the town's fortifications. After the extinction of the elder Nassau-Hadamar line in 1349, the town and castle changed hands multiple times. The 15th century saw the first major renovations, including the establishment of a columned hall and a chapel around 1440. A fire in 1540 damaged parts of the complex, particularly the east wing. From 1557, the castle was entirely back in Nassau possession.