Castle History

Weimar’s City Castle has been a defining feature of the city for centuries. In the ticket-free area of the lobby, you can discover the history of the Castle for yourself – featuring archaeological finds, insights into courtly life and a multipart castle model. 

The City Castle is not only the oldest building managed by the Klassik Stiftung Weimar, but it’s also a structure inscribed with centuries of history. Follow the traces of its eventful past – from its medieval foundations to the Renaissance, when Lucas Cranach the Elder operated his painting workshop, to the Baroque facades which still distinguish the Castle today. Classical interior designs transition to the representative décor of the 19^th century, while the political and social upheavals of the 20^th century leave their indelible mark.

Moving from the newly renovated lobby into the ticket-free area, you can learn more about the fascinating architectural and functional history of the Castle. An archaeological zone, a belétage of Renaissance courtly life, an air-raid bunker, a “Kunst am Bau” project and a multipart castle model offer various perspectives on the history of this unique location.