Markvippach Castle

Markvippach grew together from an upper and a lower village. The place was temporarily the seat of the Lords of Schlossvippach; in addition to these, the Vitzthums of Eckstedt also had a manor here. The two manors were later united. A medieval moated castle was first mentioned in 1387. It was then rebuilt around 1620. Diagonally opposite this Old Castle (the "Water Castle"), a New Castle was built in 1812 after a fire destroyed the previous building. Its gate and covered passage dated back to 1780. After the Lords of Drachenfels, whose line died out in 1644, the Lords of Leutsch were the owners of the Water Castle, followed by the von Miltitz and von Kellner families. In 1945, the owners were dispossessed and expelled by the communists.

Refugee families from the eastern territories were housed in both castles. Afterwards, based on SMAD Order 209, the New Castle was demolished. Today, the cultural center of the village is located on the site. The LPG moved into the Old Castle (Water Castle), partially using the rooms as stables.

The Old Castle, which has been restored by architect Dix since 1992, now houses a restaurant. From 2011, the former Water Castle stood empty again. In 2014, the Erfurt entrepreneur Marion Krauße acquired the building and is renovating it after years of vacancy, as well as the outdoor area.