On the so-called Donopskuppe, a mountain in the south-east of Meiningen, a striking ruin rises above the town.
Built in 1822 by the Meiningen privy councillor Georg Karl Wilhelm Philipp von Donop, the residential tower was already planned as an artificial ruin at the time of its construction. The completion of the tower is one of a large number of structures that were built during Meiningen's heyday. Within a few years, not only the artificial ruin on the Donopskuppe was built, but also numerous magnificent buildings in Bernhardstraße, such as the court theater and the various palaces, which still characterize the image of the former royal seat today. Landsberg Castle at the northern end of Meiningen was also built at this time. The ruins are not far from the town and can be easily reached on foot. You can also get almost as far as the Donopskuppe by bus or car via the upper panoramic path. Those who reach the ruins are rewarded with a wonderful view over the town and the surrounding area of Meiningen.

In summer and fall, you can enjoy particularly beautiful sunsets over the city on the Donopskuppe and capture them in photographs.