Neuenstein Castle (Saasen)

The origins of Neuenstein Castle date back to the mid-13th century, when Albert I von Wallenstein, formerly Count of Schauenburg, likely had the castle built. He had previously resided at the nearby Wallenstein Castle and named himself after this property from 1233. The complex was first mentioned in a document in 1267 as “Neuwallenstein” in an exchange agreement between Albert II von Wallenstein and Abbot Heinrich III of Hersfeld. After Albert II's death in 1284, Conrad von Wallenstein, probably a brother of Albert I, inherited the property and founded the new Wallenstein line. In the 14th century, the castle was divided: Simon von Wallenstein owned one half, while the other half belonged to Friedrich von Schlitz (called von Steinau) and Friedrich von Herzberg. Due to banditry originating from the Wallensteins, Abbot Simon I von Buchenau of Hersfeld, Landgrave Otto I of Hesse, and other nobles allied in 1318 to destroy the castle. It was not until 1357 that Simon von Wallenstein received permission to rebuild it. After the extinction of the Albertine line of the Wallensteins in 1521, inheritance disputes arose.