Lower Castle (Greiz)

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The Lower Castle in Greiz (in the background the Upper Castle )

The Lower Castle is one of the sights of the Thuringian city ​​of Greiz .

location

The Lower Castle is located directly on the banks of the White Elster next to the St. Mary's Church and thus only a few steps away from the city center.

history

The Lower Castle was the residence of the Reuss Princely House for centuries . It was built in the 16th century by Heinrich the Elder (1578–1607). In 1564 an inheritance had led to the establishment of the dominions Ober-Greiz (with residence in the Upper Castle ) and Unter-Greiz. The hunting and summer residence of Count Reuss zu Untergreiz was Burgk Castle, inherited in 1697 . After the death of Heinrich III. (1733–1768) fell Untergreiz and Burgk to Count Heinrich XI. Reuss zu Obergreiz, who was raised to the rank of imperial prince in 1778, as Prince Reuss of the older line .

Main guard in front of the castle

After the devastating city fire of April 6, 1802, it was rebuilt in the classical style by 1809 . The princes moved from the Upper to the new Lower Palace and the Upper Palace became the seat of the government authorities of the Principality, the smallest monarchy in terms of area of the German Empire, founded in 1871 . The former ballroom - today the White Hall - with its valuable stucco is a highlight . In 1884/1885 the south wing with winter garden, representative rooms such as the Blue Salon and the tower with onion dome were built.

In the course of the November Revolution in 1918, the prince and state government abdicated and both castles were transferred to the Reuss state by a dispute agreement , while the prince kept Burgk Castle. Heinrich XXIV. But suffered due to an accident from an incurable brain damage and was therefore due to government inability been placed under the regency of Prince Reuss Younger Line. He retained the right to live in the Lower Castle until his death in 1927. Two years later opened in the main floor , the museum its doors of the castle.

Todays use

In the historically valuable interior of the local history museum, the history of the Reuss Älterer Linie house in connection with the development of the city of Greiz is explained today .

Other rooms in the Lower Castle are used by the “Greiz-Information” tourist office, the “Bernhard Stavenhagen” music school, a workshop and a café.

photos

literature

  • Hubertus Blase: The Lower Castle of Greiz and its cultural treasures . Kreisheimatmuseum, Greiz, 2nd, expanded edition 1985.

Web links

Commons : Lower Castle  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

Coordinates: 50 ° 39 ′ 20 ″  N , 12 ° 12 ′ 3 ″  E