Undoubtedly one of the most famous German castles towers over the Thuringian city of Eisenach: Wartburg Castle. Due to its outstanding significance for cultural history, it was officially declared a “World Heritage Site of Humanity” by UNESCO in 1999. Built in 1067, the late Romanesque structure served as the landgravial headquarters and as a court of the muses, where the fine arts were cultivated. In addition, Wartburg Castle was the residence and workplace of St. Elizabeth and served as an exile for the outlawed Martin Luther. Here he is said to have translated the New Testament. Also famous is the student Wartburg Festival of 1817, where civic will and a free nation-state were demanded.
