Castle, palace, Franconian crown

Henneberg border castle and Saxon fortress, mountain castle of Frederick the Wise, Luther's fortress and Franconian crown - Veste Coburg (Coburg Fortress) is associated with great history. Old documents have mentioned Coburg Castle since the 11th century, but it was first referred to as a castle in 1225. The structural beginnings of today's complex also date back to this time. The 800th anniversary is the occasion for an exhibition on the history of the fortress.

Based on new research findings, its development from the beginnings to the Thirty Years' War can be reconstructed in parts. Time and again, the complex was a mirror of its time. Time and again, it served as a foil for the history of ideas and ideologies - right up to National Socialism. Who lived on the Veste, which sieges it survived, which architects left their architectural signature over the centuries and how it was remodelled, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries - all this is highlighted in the wide-ranging special exhibition. The accompanying programme includes special guided tours of the entire castle complex.

The exhibition is based on a research project initiated by the art collections, which brought to light much more concrete construction phases. These were presented and discussed at a high-profile conference in October 2024. The ongoing research, in which around 20 academics are involved, will be published in the lavishly illustrated Yearbook of the Coburger Landesstiftung 2024 (to be published in 12/2025).

Last edited on 10.11.2025