Wilhelmsburg Castle Schmalkalden

The Renaissance Wilhelmsburg Palace in Schmalkalden is of great historical interest because of the founding of the Schmalkalder Bund - the alliance of Protestant princes of the Reich against the policy of the Catholic Emperor Karl V. But beyond that, the castle with the largely preserved overall complex, and the outstanding interior decorations, is the best preserved original Renaissance castle in Germany. Impressive are the murals, the ceiling designs and, for example, the furniture pieces, stoves and fireplaces. The castle kitchen gives an insight into the everyday culture of the time in the middle of the 16th century.

During the Reformation, Schmalkalden was one of the political hot spots. Both the emperor and the pope's eyes were directed towards the city in the southwest of the Thuringian Forest. Because in the last week of December of 1530 Protestant princes, aristocrats and cities united to form the Schmalkaldic League, led by Philip I of Hesse and Elector Johann Friedrich I of Saxony. They agreed that only a common alliance of all Protestants could offer protection against the emperor. The federal government met eight times in Schmalkalden. When the participants looked up in the direction of the quest, they could still see the ruined Wallrabsburg of the Counts of Henneberg. After this noble family died out, their possessions around Schmalkalden fell to Landgrave Wilhelm IV of Hesse-Kassel. From 1585 he had the castle converted into a secondary residence. Today the Wilhelmsburg towers over the old town of Schmalkalden. Due to its original room structure, the magnificent wall paintings and stucco work as well as its outdoor facilities, the Wilhelmsburg is a jewel among the Renaissance castles in Germany. With the consecration of the castle church on May 23, 1590, the castle was released for use, although the interior was not yet completely finished.

Source: thueringerschloesser.de/objekt/schloss-wilhelmsburg-schmalkalden

New permanent exhibition: The Schmalkaldic League - beginning of the schism.Made interesting with short films in which Duchess Elisabeth von Rochlitz tells her story and thoughts.
But children don't miss out either. There are stations where small tasks and puzzles can be solved.
As in any museum, you have to bring your time, which is worth it.