Details
Founded: c. 1100Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Salian Dynasty (Germany)
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Freusburg castle is located high above the Sieg Valley. It lies between Mudersbach and Kirchen and has belonged since 1969 to the town of Kirchen. Freusburg was first mentioned in the year 913, under the name Fruodeesbraderofanc (Bifanc of Fruodberg). 'Bifanc' signifies a court holding or lord's headquarters. The first documented citation dates from the year 1048.
The castle itself is believed to have been built around 1100. It was first mentioned by name in connection with the division of an estate in 1247. About 1580, Count Henry IV renovated the castle. In 1896, it came into the possession of the Prussian Forstfiskus, and served for years as a forest house.
The castle and grounds have been used since 1928 as a youth hostel. Over time, modifications to keep up with the times became necessary. On October 23, 1986, after a complete renovation, it was ceremonially reopened by German President Richard von Weizsäcker. At about 60,000 overnight stays a year, it ranks with the most visited youth hostels in Germany.
Freusburg provides an excellent view of the surrounding woods and of the Sieg Valley and Freusburg Mill.
References:The Jan Hus Memorial stands at one end of Old Town Square. The huge monument depicts victorious Hussite warriors and Protestants who were forced into exile 200 years after Hus, and a young mother who symbolises national rebirth. The monument was so large that the sculptor designed and built his own villa and studio where the work could be carried out. It was unveiled in 1915 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Jan Hus' martyrdom. The memorial was designed by Ladislav Šaloun and paid for solely by public donations.
Born in 1369, Hus became an influential religious thinker, philosopher, and reformer in Prague. He was a key predecessor to the Protestant movement of the sixteenth century. In his works he criticized religious moral decay of the Catholic Church. Accordingly, the Czech patriot Hus believed that mass should be given in the vernacular, or local language, rather than in Latin. He was inspired by the teachings of John Wycliffe.