Veste Coburg turns 800: special exhibition to mark the historic anniversary!

Veste Coburg turns 800: special exhibition to mark the historic anniversary!

A very special anniversary is approaching: The Veste Coburg, also known as the Franconian Crown, will celebrate its 800th anniversary in 2025. This impressive date will be duly honored with a special exhibition that will open its doors from July 4, 2025. Preparations for this are already in full swing and there are already exciting insights into what awaits visitors. The exhibition will not only feature historical artifacts, but also special exhibits such as an old wooden construction crane and a stone tongs that illustrate the architecture of bygone times. [NP-Coburg].

This in-depth research not only enriched the knowledge of the fortress's construction history, but also corrected some previous assumptions. For example, it turns out that the “Blue Tower” is younger than previously believed. Such findings help to present the fortress not only as a historical building, but also as a place of living history.

History brought to life

The Veste Coburg was founded in the 10th century and experienced an eventful history. It was first mentioned in a document in 1225 and has since gone through many transformations and changes of ownership. Originally owned by the Dukes of Merania, it was bought by Frederick III in 1353. taken over by Wettin, who held it until 1918. The fortress has belonged to the Coburg State Foundation since 1919, and it has been looked after by the Bavarian Palace Administration since 1941. Wikipedia also states that the fortress was captured during the Thirty Years' War in 1635 after a months-long siege.

As far as the structural design is concerned, an impressive triple ring of fortifications was built around the castle around 1420/30. These defenses can still be seen today as six roundels have been preserved. In 1820 the status as a fortress was lifted and a beautiful promenade path was created around the fortress, offering visitors a wonderful view of the surrounding area.

A look into the future

The special exhibition that the Veste is planning to mark its celebrations will offer an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into the history of this unique building. Specialist lectures on the development of the Veste and the Coburg region will also be part of the program. These lectures offer valuable insights into the role of the fortress over the centuries. The lectures will begin on October 11, 2024 and will be given by experts covering different eras and subject areas, from its beginnings in the 11th to 13th centuries through to its changes up to around 1800 and the use of firearms in the defense concept of the fortress in the 15th and 16th centuries. Kunstsammlungen has published the exact times and topics of these lectures.

It cannot be overlooked that the Veste Coburg is a treasure of history that still has many secrets and stories to tell today. Be there when the Veste celebrates its 800-year history and enjoy an exciting cultural experience that impressively reflects the transience of time.