Already at the end of the 10th century, a moated castle existed on this spot, which served as a starting point for the settlement later erected. Altogether, the castle burned down three times: in 1424, 1618 and 1774. Only the lower part of the tower from the 12th century survived all these fires and is therefore the oldest preserved construction in Weimar. The three-winged structure of the building once open to the park was erected in 1789 and finally closed by a fourth wing in neo-baroque style in 1914. Inside the castle one can find some of the most important architectural creations in Germany: the staircase, banqueting hall and Falcon gallery designed by Heinrich Gentz. In 1919, the castle accommodated representatives of the National Assembly. Since 1923, it has accommodated art collections: in more than 70 rooms you can enjoy art objects representing six centuries e.g. the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Romanticism as well as Dutch painting, sculptures of the 19th century and the "Weimar School".   back