Kranichfeld Oberschloss Castle (Germany)

Surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests in Weimarer Land, visible from afar, lies the Oberschloss Kranichfeld. It stands on a mountain spur above the two-castle town of Kranichfeld. At first glance, the Renaissance castle seems completely intact. But only the outer walls of the main castle survived. The interior was destroyed by fire in 1934. The exhibition itinerary takes visitors from the external courtyard to the Palas, the "Torre Grossa", the chapel and the cellar.

All the noble families who played a decisive role in the early modern Thuringian history once owned the Oberschloss Kranichfeld. The complex bears the name of "upper castle" to distinguish it from the lower castle which was built later. In the 1560s, the castle became the scene of a "neighborhood quarrel". At the time, two Reussen lines shared the facility. The "older gentleman" resided in the eastern part, the "younger gentleman" in the western part. A dispute arose after the "old lord" had a new wing built (today part of the ruins). To which the younger one complained that the building had cut off his light. Now you can easily go up to the roof in the "best rooms" and listen to conversations. Furthermore, a side window has been created in the crypt, "in which the most secret things are forbidden". During this phase the castle took on its current appearance, largely preserved. In terms of architectural history, the building shows the development from castle to palace. Most of the stonework dates from the 12th century. The chapel and the Palas date back to this period, in which concerts and weddings are now held. The so-called “Torre Grassa” also dates back to the 12th century. In 1999, the "101 Steps Campaign" began. With the help of fundraising, a staircase could later be installed in the impressive keep and in 2011 the tower was given a dome and an accessible viewing platform.

In a bay window in the southwest corner of the complex is the castle dolery - the so-called "Leckarsch". The stone figure extends its bare rear towards the viewer, with the addition of the inscription "Leck mich im Mars". The character follows suit literally, licking his genitals. What seems strange or obscene today was nothing unusual in the 16th century. After the Reussen had to pawn the castle in 1577, Kranichfeld changed hands several times. Under the Counts Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, especially the outer courtyard was expanded.