Hungen Castle: A life in community and tradition in the historic walls

Hungen Castle: A life in community and tradition in the historic walls

Schloss Hungen in Central Hesse is more than just a historical building; It represents the result of a unique community. 50 years ago, a group of 18 parties took over the dilapidated castle as a gift and has actively worked on its preservation and an alternative living concept since then. The change from a dilapidated castle to a lively residential project offers interesting insights into the challenges and triumph of such an extraordinary community.

The castle was created between the 15th and 17th centuries and testifies to a long story. When the original residents opted for the property in need of renovation, the condition of the buildings was more than worrying. Sabine Fellner-von Feldegg, one of the long-standing residents, describes the first few years as characterized by curiosity and skepticism of the surrounding neighborhood. Many thoughts about this "exotic community", which questioned the rural tranquility of the area, made the round. Rumors about drugs, communism and group sex raged, spurred on by the fact that most of the new residents came from outside.

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How do people live in the castle? Sven Köppe describes the experience as "sensational" and emphasizes the positive change in the lifestyle. He and his colleagues feel like on vacation in their new surroundings. With the parts of responsibility, helpfulness and a strong sense of community, you have made your new home a place of cohesion and joy.

Social relationships within the community are a central part of life in the castle. The residents support each other and enjoy the cooperation. This type of living together was particularly valued in pandemic when the community often stayed outside on the terrace and talked musically or wandered together. This type of support is not only user -friendly, but was also perceived as essential for the emotional well -being of the residents.

But what about the original social commitment? Social initiatives were very active in the early years, but the focus has shifted over the years. Sabine Fellner-von Feldegg admits that many of the initiatives at that time, such as the support of needy families, have passed, but has decreased the dynamics. "We have grown old," she says, adding that new facts are always discovered where help is necessary. In this way, the residents regularly look after new Ukrainian families in the neighborhood.

One of the constant initiatives is the annual children's castle festival, which brings many of the residents together to prepare a special day for the children in the area. These events are not only an expression of collegiality, but also a sign of the ongoing cohesion of the group.

One of the most concise aspects of life in Hungen Castle is the way decisions are made. Unlike in conventional owners' meetings, the castle group session is more to be understood as an open forum that not only discusses finance, but also the responsibility for the monument and urban development in general. This unique self -administration not only strengthened internal relationships, but also contributed to the fact that the castle is preserved as a centuries old monument.

The monument protection has played a crucial role. When the group took over the castle in 1974, many were not with the high conditions and the aesthetic discussions about the renovation. Fellner-von Feldegg describes heated debates whether the walls should be plastered or remained in their original quarry stone look. In these conflicts, the different opinions within the community were clearly expressed and formed a central element of living together.

Overall, the castle community has developed over the years. Cultural activities were established that are known far beyond the regional border. This has resulted in a continuous program that not only includes the lock, but also the surrounding community.

The preservation of the house community and social engagement is not only a symbol for the preservation of culture and history, but also shows that an alternative and committed life in the community is possible. Hungen Castle continues to be cared for by his residents and shows how valuable cohesion and courage to change can be.