Magnificent center of courtly culture
High above the wine-growing town of Freyburg, in the ancient cultural landscape on the Unstrut, stands Neuenburg Castle, founded around 1090 by the Thuringian Count Ludwig the Springer. After the first powerful complex was built by 1150, further magnificent expansion followed with the rise of the Landgraves of Thuringia to the first rank of imperial princes. Great names are associated with the history of Neuenburg Castle. They include Emperor Barbarossa, the poet Heinrich von Veldeke and Landgrave Elisabeth of Thuringia, who was canonized in 1235. After the Ludovingians died out, Neuenburg Castle came into the possession of the Margraves of Meissen from the House of Wettin in 1247. Under the Electors of Saxony and the Dukes of Saxe-Weissenfels, the castle was converted into a residential and hunting lodge. In 1815, Neuenburg Castle came into Prussian possession and served as an administrative seat and domain. The first museum was established in 1935 and reopened after the war in 1951. Following a long period of closure due to structural damage from 1970 to 1989, Neuenburg Castle was almost forgotten. Thanks to public and civic commitment, Neuenburg Castle is now once again a worthwhile excursion destination on the Romanesque Road with an interesting museum, interesting exhibitions and popular events.