Old Castle Sangerhausen

The Ersta Castle was built around 1056. The lord of the castle at that time was Otto IV of Brandenburg. In 1260, the castle was owned by the Wettin Henry the Illustrious of Meissen. Around 1269, the castle was rebuilt and expanded. In 1271, the castle was first mentioned in a document. Further owners included the Dukes of Brunswick and the Dukes of Weissenfels. The remains of the existing buildings suggest an originally much larger complex. Of the towers, only the Hexenturm (Witches' Tower) still exists today. As an administration building, it later housed the bailiffs and served as a courthouse, armory, and grain warehouse. With the construction of the New Palace (1616-1622), the Old Palace lost its importance. From 1746-51, it served as the residence of the widowed Sophie Charlotte of Saxe-Eisenach. From 1818, it was an arsenal, prison, and warehouse. Today, it houses the district music school.