Strößendorf Castle

The origins of Strößendorf Castle date back to the 12th century, when a border fortification of Charlemagne presumably stood on its site. Around 1180, Rudolf von Widence, the builder of the oldest preserved part, sold the property to Langheim Monastery. In 1301, Gundeloch Marschalk von Kunstadt acquired the castle as a gift for his wife. The Marschalk family expanded the castle in the second half of the 14th century, extending the Kemenate and erecting the keep. In 1408, the castle passed to the von Schaumberg family, who added southeastern and northwestern wings as well as a defensive tower in the 15th century. During the Hussite Wars in 1430, the castle was probably severely damaged. In the Peasants' War of 1525, it was plundered and set on fire, but rebuilt by 1530. In the 16th century, the south wing was added, giving the complex a square footprint. Around 1600, the Jungfernbau was built. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was plundered in 1632.