Die Wartburg

Der When you arrive on the grounds of the Wartburg, you will find an unexpected mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Historicism. The history of the Wartburg Collection covers two centuries. The collection began at a time when the German Romantics rediscovered German tradition in art and culture in general and were reminded of the German Middle Ages. In 1815, Wolfgang von Goethe suggested using the castle as a museum to display medieval exhibits from Schloss Blankenhain. Treasures from the medieval time - a Gothic aquamanile or a splendidly decorated reliquary- are waiting for the visitor. One can also find the unique "Dürer Cupboard,", the world famous paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder and the historic cutlery collection of the Baron Gottfried von und zu Egloffstein. These exemplary pieces will stir your curiosity about this exquisite and surprising collection. The Palas, the main building of the medieval castle, was constructed between 1155 and 1180. It is one of the best-preserved secular buildings of the late Romanesque period north of the Alps, and it is surely one of the most beautiful. The defensive eastern side of this building contrasts the peaceful and splendid arcades of the courtyard side. The original 200 columns, with masterpieces of capitals and ornate architectural decoration, proved the claim of the landgraves' power and their position in the empire. Please join us on a virtual tour. You may also take a walk on the baileys and hiking routes nearby and feel the magic of the changing seasons. Goethe praised the beautiful natural surroundings of the Wartburg. Thin forests alternate with bizarre rock formations and gloomy narrow gorges. A narrow path leads through the eerie but beautiful Dragon Ravine to the Hohe Sonne and the trade route. Cascades of stone rise above both sides of the Landgravial Ravine, and the lovely Singers' Meadow looks inviting for a break. Last but not least, the remarkable Villas Quarter, which revived the south slope in the middle of the 19th century, makes Eisenach and its famous landmark so special that they invite you for a longer stay.