The Ebeleben castle park

An almost forgotten gem in Thuringia

The Ebeleben Palace Park, a hidden gem in the north of Erfurt, is one of the few remaining baroque gardens in Thuringia. With its impressive symmetry and the geometric shapes of 17th and 18th century garden architecture, the park captivates visitors. Next year, the castle garden will even receive special attention as an external location for the Federal Garden Show in Erfurt.

The history of the castle park goes back a long way and begins with a moated castle that probably dates back to the 10th century. This castle belonged to the Ebeleber knightly family and served as a summer and second home for the royal house of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen. Prince Christian Günther I in particular shaped the park in the 18th century and gave it a touch of Versailles. Although only ruins remain of the former castle, the remains of the foundation walls are still visible.

Baroque gardens are known for their symmetrical axes, but Ebeleben Palace Park has something special. The main axis does not lead to the seat of power, but a right-angled secondary axis forms the center of the park. Grottoes, water features, large sculptures and putti bear witness to the former splendor of the complex. There are also many old trees that have survived the centuries.

A highlight of the castle park is the large cascade, which is now the only water feature of its kind still in operation in Thuringia. Unfortunately it is currently dry because the water is used for the water features in the outdoor pool. But the planned renovation of the outdoor pool should solve the problem and allow the water to flow over the steps again.

The Ebeleben Castle Park belongs to the city of Ebeleben and the Novalis Diakonieverein. In order to preserve the historical structure, extensive renovation and restoration work has been carried out over the last 20 years. This is supported by the Castle Park Support Association, which is committed to preserving and maintaining the park. There are already information boards providing information about the park's most important elements, and historical tours are available. But there is still a lot to do. The Forderverein is planning further construction phases, including the reconstruction of the stone arch bridge over the former moat and the renovation of the old defense tower. Here the tower will get its tower dome back and a staircase inside will allow guests to look out the window.

Ebeleben Castle Park is a hidden gem in Thuringia that is worth discovering. With its history, baroque elements and idyllic location, it is a popular excursion destination for nature and culture lovers. The park offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in times gone by and experience the beauty of baroque garden architecture. Visit the Ebeleben Castle Park and let yourself be enchanted by its unique atmosphere.

 

The Gera near Kühnhausen

From Kühnhausen we head south along the Gera towards Gispersleben. The riverside path goes close to the river and is more beautiful than the cycle path version.

  • The castle park belongs to the city of Ebeleben and the Novalis Diakonieverein.
  • The Castle Park Support Association is committed to the preservation and care of the park.
  • There are historical tours and information boards that provide visitors with information about the park.
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The Ebeleben Castle Park: A journey into history

The origins of the Ebeleben Castle Park

The history of the Ebeleben Castle Park goes back a long way. As early as the early 11th century, there was a castle complex that served as the seat of the Ebeleben people. Over time, many renovations and additions were made, which unfortunately also led to destruction. In 1616, the medieval castle complex became the property of the Counts of Schwarzburg. These began in the 17th century with the park design in the Baroque style.

The heyday of the castle park

The heyday of the Ebeleben Castle Park dates back to the 18th century. Prince Christian Günther I of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen in particular shaped the park and gave it a unique atmosphere. He had the castle rebuilt in the rococo style and equipped the park with large statues. The symmetrical axes of the park and the numerous water features and grottos bear witness to the splendor and wealth of the time.

The structure of the castle park

The Ebeleben Palace Park follows the typical baroque structure with symmetrical axes and geometric shapes. A special feature of the park, however, is the secondary axis, which runs almost at right angles to the main axis. On the main axis is the magnificent orangery, which today serves as the Karl-Marien-Haus of the Novalis Diakonieverein. The secondary axis leads to the remains of the former castle, which was destroyed in the Second World War and later demolished.

 

The highlights of the castle park

A highlight of the Ebeleben Castle Park is undoubtedly the large cascade, which is the only water feature of this type still in operation in Thuringia. The cascade was restored as part of the restoration work and is regularly used. Unfortunately it is currently dry because the water is used for the water features in the outdoor pool. But the planned renovation of the outdoor pool is intended to resolve the problem.

Another highlight of the park is the deer fountain with hunting motifs. The fountain is located in front of the orangery and is a popular meeting place for visitors. The numerous historical routes and information boards also enable guests to learn more about the history and special features of the park.

The importance of the castle park today

The Ebeleben Castle Park belongs to the city of Ebeleben and the Novalis Diakonieverein. Together with the Castle Park Support Association, they are committed to preserving and maintaining the park. Over the last 20 years, extensive renovation and restoration work has been carried out to preserve the historic structure. But there is still a lot to do. The Forderverein is planning further construction phases, including the reconstruction of the stone arch bridge and the renovation of the old defense tower.

The Ebeleben Castle Park is a place of history and beauty. With its unique atmosphere and idyllic location, it invites visitors to immerse themselves in times gone by and experience the beauty of baroque garden architecture. Visit the Ebeleben Castle Park and discover this hidden gem in Thuringia. Let yourself be enchanted by its history, its baroque elements and its unique atmosphere.