A journey through the centuries
Nestled in the picturesque Garbsen countryside, not far from the vibrant state capital of Hanover, lies the historic Ricklingen Castle. Its history dates back to the 13th century and is characterized by eventful events, architectural changes and influential aristocratic families.
The beginnings in the Middle Ages:
A moated castle as a protective fortress
The roots of Ricklingen Castle date back to 1225, when it was first mentioned in documents as Castrum Ricklingen. Built by the Counts of Roden, it originally served as a fortified moated castle to secure the trade routes along the River Leine.
The castle gained particular notoriety in 1385 when it was suspected of harboring robber barons. This led to Duke Albrecht of Saxony-Wittenberg besieging the castle with his troops. During the siege, the duke was fatally shot by a stone thrown from a blide – an event that is still commemorated today by the Duke Albrecht Monument in the village.
The beginnings in the Middle Ages:
A moated castle as a protective fortress
The roots of Ricklingen Castle date back to 1225, when it was first mentioned in documents as Castrum Ricklingen. Built by the Counts of Roden, it originally served as a fortified moated castle to secure the trade routes along the River Leine.
The castle gained particular notoriety in 1385 when it was suspected of harboring robber barons. This led to Duke Albrecht of Saxony-Wittenberg besieging the castle with his troops. During the siege, the duke was fatally shot by a stone thrown from a blide – an event that is still commemorated today by the Duke Albrecht Monument in the village.
From knight’s seat to aristocratic residence:
The Renaissance and Baroque periods
Over the centuries, Ricklingen Castle changed hands several times and underwent numerous alterations and extensions. In the 16th century, the former castle was transformed into a prestigious Renaissance palace that met the living requirements of the nobility.
An important phase began in the 18th century, when the castle became the property of the noble von Alten family. Under their leadership, the castle was further extended and received its baroque elements. The baroque church from 1696, donated by Johann Georg Voigt, was also built during this time and still dominates the townscape today.
Ricklingen Castle in the 19th & 20th centuries:
Change & new use
In the 19th century, Schloss Ricklingen changed hands again, and with the social changes brought about by industrialization, many aristocratic residences lost their original function. Finally, the castle was taken over by the town of Garbsen in the 20th century.
Today, the historic building is privately owned and not open to the public. Nevertheless, Schloss Ricklingen remains a historically significant building that is deeply rooted in the history of the region.
