Lower Castle Kyffhausen

The construction of the castle is presumed to be in the 11th century, likely under King Henry IV, to secure imperial property and the royal palace of Tilleda. In 1118, the castle was destroyed during the Saxon revolts by Duke Lothar of Supplinburg. A rapid reconstruction followed under King Lothar and was completed under Frederick I Barbarossa. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the castle experienced its heyday as a Staufer imperial castle, administered by imperial ministerials. The walls were then painted in a red, emphasizing its imperial significance. By the end of the 13th century, the castle lost its strategic importance and changed hands several times, including the Counts of Beichlingen and Schwarzburg.