Ollendorf Castle

The castle's origins likely trace back to the Counts of Gleichen, who owned large parts of Ollendorf in the 14th century. In 1506, the counts sold their property, including the moated castle and fish farm, to the city of Erfurt. The city appointed an administrator responsible for agricultural use and securing the fortifications. Although the castle's military importance declined in the 15th and 16th centuries, it was occupied by city guards during the Thirty Years' War. A fire in 1609 necessitated the reconstruction of farm buildings and stables. In 1624, the administration of the bailiwicks of Zimmern and Udestedt was moved to the fortified complex. In 1664, ownership transferred to Mainz. Another fire in 1692 destroyed the castle and farmstead down to their foundations, leading to a reconstruction for agricultural purposes in 1694, with the manor house rebuilt in a simple rural Baroque style. In 1813, Napoleon briefly sought refuge in the castle during his retreat from the Battle of Leipzig but had to leave due to reports of enemy forces. In 1863, the estate was rebuilt and expanded. After 1945, the property was expropriated and served as a farmstead for the LPG "Einheit" during the GDR era, which led to decay until the buildings stood empty in the 1970s.