Castle Apolda

The Renaissance residence of the Vitzthum family

In the 13th century, Apolda Castle was inhabited by the Vitzthum von Apolda family, around whom various legends have grown up, such as that of little Katharina. The Vitzthums Moritz and Christoph, under whom the population suffered greatly, had a Renaissance complex built. This Vitzthum building was an unadorned functional building, not a representative building. Some remains of the walls and the barrel cellars date from this time. After the death of both lords of the castle, the Vitzthums became increasingly impoverished. The last of the lords of Apolda died in 1631.

Reconstruction of the castle

The castle was given to the University of Jena, which converted it into an estate after the 30 Years’ War. As a result of constant extensions, stables were built in the 18th century. It served as a court until 1833. It was not until the fall of communism in 1989/90 that the castle became a cultural centre for the local population. Today, the Vitzthum building houses offices of the city administration, the Apolda cultural association, the music school and the registry office. The castle hall is the venue for events and once a year the venue for the Apolda Cabaret Days.