The cultural center in Apolda 

The old castle complex is located on a hill behind Apolda's town hall and is now freshly renovated, musical and lively, in keeping with the feel of the town. The origins of Apolda Castle, then still a fortress, date back to the 10th/11th century. The four-winged complex contains components dating back 800 years. Evidence of Neolithic farmers, Bronze Age settlers and the Germanic population around the time of Christ's birth can be found here. 

The Renaissance estate of the Vitzthum family

In the 13th century, Apolda Castle was inhabited by the Vitzthum von Apolda family, around whom various legends, such as that of little Katharina, have grown up. The Vitzthums Moritz and Christoph, under whom the population suffered greatly, had a Renaissance complex built. This Vitzthumbau was an unadorned functional building, not a representative building. Some remains of the walls and the barrel cellars date from this period. After the death of both lords of the manor, the Vitzthums became increasingly impoverished. The last of the lords of Apolda died in 1631. 

Conversion of the castle

The castle was transferred to the University of Jena, which converted it into an estate after the Thirty Years' War. As a result of constant extensions, stables were built in the 18th century. It served as a court until 1833. It was not until the fall of communism in 1989/90 that the castle became a cultural center for the population. Today, the Vitzthum building houses offices for the town council and the registry office. The castle hall and the grounds around the venerable walls are used for events.