Lauenstein Castle presides majestically over the Müglitztal Valley. The origins of the castle are unknown, Lauenstein was probably founded around the year 1200 as a border castle. Lauenstein is mentioned for the first time in 1241.
A spacious residential castle was built here in the 16th century on the site of a medieval fortress. Even today, the ruins are still reminiscent of the medieval castle. The castle is essentially characterized by the Renaissance style. The east and south-west wings have been preserved from the once three-winged castle. The north wing collapsed in the middle of the 19th century due to dilapidation. It has not yet been rebuilt.
The impressive Wappensaal, the Vogelsaal, the music room and many interesting details still testify today to the artistry of the builder Günther von Bünau (1557 - 1619) and the subsequent generations of Saxon noble family, residing for three centuries in Lauenstein. High-quality portrait sculptures - dating from the beginning of the 17th century - have been preserved in the chapel and the tower room. The reconstructed park in baroque style and the herb garden with its ornamental plants frame the castle.The main castle has been extensively renovated and restored over the past three decades and now houses the Museum of East Ore Mountains.
References:House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams) is a building situated in the old town of Riga. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried German merchants in Riga. Major works were done in the years 1580 and 1886, adding most of the ornaments.
The structure was bombed to a ruin by the Germans June 28, 1941 and the remains demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999. Today the House of Blackheads serves as a museum and sometimes concert hall.