The Coburg Fortress is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Germany.
Coburg Fortress is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Germany. It is also called "Franconian Crown" because it towers over Coburg like a huge jewel on a 464-metre-high dolomite rock. The construction of a castle complex was first mentioned in 1225. In 1353, the castle fell to the House of Wettin. Due to its strategic importance, Coburg Fortress was expanded over the next 150 years to become one of the largest castle complexes in Germany. After the court was moved to the city in the 16th century, the fortress served as a state fortress. The reformer Martin Luther stayed there for several months in 1530. The rooms in which he lived can still be visited today. Coburg Fortress houses internationally important art collections such as a copperplate engraving cabinet, Venetian glass, historical weapons, the oldest carriages in the world, ceremonial carriages, and tournament sleighs as well as works by old German masters, including Cranach, Dürer, and Grünewald.
