The Old Mint or the Old Castle

The "Zum Storchennest" inn stood on the site of the Old Castle at the end of the 15th century. Around 1600, the medieval dwelling was demolished and the castle-like new building was erected in its present form. Sixty years later, the building complex became the property of the Dukes of Saxony, who initially established the administration of the Saalfeld office here.

When Saalfeld became a royal seat in 1676, Duke Albrecht of Saxe-Gotha chose this house as his permanent residence until the palace in the north of the town was ready for occupation three years later. From 1729 to 1735, the house was once again a residence, this time for Duke Christian Ernst of Saxe-Saalfeld. The building then housed the ducal mint, which was relocated from the former Franciscan monastery, for over 100 years until 1846. The name "Old Mint" dates from this time. At times, up to 60 workers were employed here to mint up to 20,000 guilders a week. At the same time, the Saalfeld mining office was housed here from the 18th century.