Lower Castle

Archbishop Gunther II financed construction of the lower fortressby selling his castles in Lauchstädt, Schkopau and Liebenau. The approximately 2-meter-wide curtain wall with its five towers was built in 1445. As defensive maneuvers, hackbuts were inserted through the loopholes and horizontal “mouth” embrasures. During the main building phase (1445–1464), in the west wing, the Residenz (official residence or seat) was built, along with living quarters (a so-called Mushaus). The Kornhaus (granary) followed in 1473. Around 1500 the Residenz was converted to serve commercial purposes. The Brauhaus (brewhouse) was added as an extension onto the south side of the west building of the lower fortress. The Mushaus on the northern end became a distillery. The barn structures on the south wing are from the 16th century. In 1706, the baroque Herrenhaus (manor house) was added to the east side of the lower fortress. Since breeding pigeons remained a privilege of the nobilityuntil the French Revolution, the dovecote, built in 1723, is very stately. On the west side of the Hofmeisterei (steward’s residence), which was built from 1767 to 1769, an old fountain was discovered in 1910.