One of the largest and best preserved castles in Thuringia

The impressive moated castle, a lowland castle, lies at the foot of the Sperlingsberg in the middle of Weimarer Land. It is the largest and best-preserved moated castle in Thuringia and is home to a museum that tells the story of its varied history. The castle is open to visitors and is a showplace of history.

The origin

Originally, it was a wooden tower mound castle. However, its wealthy owners converted it into a stone castle from 1150. After the castle was acquired by the city of Erfurt in the 14th century through a straw man, further extensive reconstruction work began. The original castle core was extended and a new complex was built around it with a curtain wall, defensive towers and a wide moat, which is why the castle was henceforth known as Wasserburg.

However, the temporary siege by Apel Vitzthum the Elder of Roßla, who had fallen out of favor with the duchy, also earned the castle the nickname "Robber Baron's Castle". He attacked several wealthy merchants and held them captive in the castle for weeks.

With the economic decline of the city of Erfurt at the end of the 15th century, things became quiet around Kapellendorf Castle. It was only during the Napoleonic campaign in 1806 that it became known throughout Europe due to the battles between the Prussians and the French, when the Prussian army under Prince Hohenlohe-Ingelfingen set up its headquarters in Kapellendorf. Today, there is a memorial tower on the Sperlingsberg, which commemorates the last skirmish of the Battle of Jena and Auerstedt.

A place for art and culture since 1950

The castle has housed a museum since the mid-19th century and offers guided tours in and around the moated castle. The castle courtyard provides an authentic backdrop for annual markets and music events, as well as open-air theater for short plays and cabaret. The terraces in the castle courtyard, which were built in 2020, also invite you to enjoy the historic ambience over coffee and cake (open from April to October on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays).