Spangenberg Castle

The first castle complex was likely built by the Lords of Treffurt from Thuringia to control their dominion around Spangenberg and Morschen and to monitor the trade route of the Lange Hessen. In 1235, Knight Hermann von Treffurt, the first documented owner of the castle and town of Spangenberg, was enfeoffed by the Count of Ziegenhain. The family subsequently called themselves "Lords of Spangenberg." After a period of decline and predatory activities, Knight Hermann IX. sold the castle, office, and town of Spangenberg for 8000 marks of silver to the Hessian Landgrave Heinrich II in 1350, making Spangenberg Hessian. For over two centuries, the castle served the Hessian Landgraves as a residence and hunting lodge. Landgrave Wilhelm IV the Wise significantly reinforced the fortress and shaped the castle's current appearance. With the advent of firearms, further construction measures were necessary, including an earthen rampart with casemates and a gun tower. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle remained in Hessian hands thanks to its reinforced defenses. After 1648, it lost significance as a Landgrave's residence but continued to be maintained as a fortress.