Oberes Schloss

Perched majestically atop the 307-meter tall Siegberg in the charming city of Siegen, the Oberes Schloss stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectural evolution. This medieval hilltop castle, once shared by the Archbishops of Cologne and the Counts of Nassau, eventually became a singular possession of the Nassau family. Today, it houses the Siegerlandmuseum, an institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The History of Oberes Schloss

The earliest documented mention of Oberes Schloss dates back to a deed from September 2, 1259, referring to it as burch inde der stad zen Sigin. However, evidence suggests that the castle's origins could be traced back to around the year 1200. Initially, the castle was a joint venture between the Archbishops of Cologne and the Counts of Nassau. By the beginning of the 15th century, the Counts of Nassau had become the sole lords of the castle and the city.

The castle's medieval fortifications were expanded and strengthened over time, with significant additions in the late Middle Ages. However, a devastating fire caused by a lightning strike in 1503 led to the destruction of many central buildings. The subsequent reconstruction efforts, which began in 1506, gave rise to notable features such as the Gothic Hall and the Oraniersaal. The castle served intermittently as a residence for the Counts of Nassau until the early 17th century.

In the 17th century, the castle became the residence of the Nassau-Siegen line following the division of Nassau's possessions. Confessional disputes led to further division in 1623, with the Protestant line residing in what later became the Unteres Schloss and the Catholic line retaining the Oberes Schloss. These religious conflicts persisted until the extinction of both lines in the 18th century.

In 1742, all Nassau possessions north of the Lahn River came under the Nassau-Dietz line, which also served as the hereditary stadtholders of the Netherlands from 1747. Consequently, Siegen lost its status as a princely residence, though the castle remained a residence for widows and an administrative seat under various rulers, including the Prussians. In 1888, the city of Siegen acquired the castle, and in 1905, it became home to the Siegerlandmuseum.

Exploring Oberes Schloss

Visitors to Oberes Schloss are greeted by a fascinating blend of medieval and more recent architectural elements. The Bishop's House, dating partially from the 13th century, features a Gothic Hall on its upper floor and the Oraniersaal, a baroque-style room adorned with 18th-century works, on the second floor. A pavilion tower was added to the western side of the Bishop's House in the 17th century.

The Count's House, originally part of the castle's early structure, no longer exists in its original form. Instead, a two-story half-timbered building from the 18th century occupies its place, with an extension added in 1906. The Haintor, a rectangular, four-story structure, connects the episcopal and comital sections of the castle. Adjacent to it is the Alte Kapelle (Old Chapel), which likely served as the castle chapel, as suggested by remnants of old paintings.

The castle's once-prominent main tower was demolished in the 16th century, with its foundations rediscovered during archaeological excavations in 1989-1990. The western part of the castle was also removed in earlier centuries, replaced by a utility building that was destroyed during World War II.

The Outer Works and Auxiliary Buildings

The main castle complex is surrounded by a system of outer works, primarily constructed in the early 17th century under Count John the Middle. The eastern side of the castle features a wall with the remains of two round towers—the Hexenturm (Witch's Tower) and the Sackturm (Sack Tower)—dating from the late Middle Ages. The Hexenturm is adjacent to the Armesünderpforte (Poor Sinner's Gate), through which condemned prisoners were led to their execution site.

The northeastern corner of the fortifications houses the largely intact Großer Krebs (Great Crab) battery tower, which once held several cannons aimed at the northern Siegtal. The Marburger Pforte (Marburg Gate Tower) provided access to the former castle settlement. In the western part of the castle, the Jesuit Bastion and Hasengarten Bastion, each originally equipped with three cannons, were constructed in 1683. Between them lies the early 17th-century Gatehouse, the main entrance to the castle grounds, with a slate-covered upper floor.

The Siegerlandmuseum

Since 1905, the Siegerlandmuseum has been housed in Oberes Schloss, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the region's history, culture, and traditions. The museum started with just three exhibition rooms and has since expanded to cover approximately 1,500 square meters. It boasts one of the most important portrait collections of the Nassau and Orange families, as well as nine original paintings by the Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens, including a version of his famous work The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus and the first version of his painting Descent from the Cross.

Among the museum's most significant rooms is the Gothic Hall, featuring an original herringbone-patterned floor made of graywacke stones from the 14th century. Other rooms are dedicated to notable figures from the Siegerland, such as the physician and writer Johann Heinrich Jung-Stilling and the musical Busch brothers. Beneath the castle courtyard, a show mine was established in 1938, showcasing original equipment and features of a Siegerland ore mine along a 150-meter-long gallery.

The Siegerlandmuseum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions in addition to its permanent collection. Since 1981, the museum has been solely operated by the city of Siegen, with Ursula Blanchebarbe serving as its director since 1991.

The Castle Park and Surroundings

Spanning a significant portion of the castle grounds, the castle park is primarily a decorative garden, offering a serene and picturesque setting for visitors to explore. The park provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city below, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty and historical ambiance of Oberes Schloss.

In conclusion, Oberes Schloss is not just a historical monument; it is a vibrant symbol of Siegen's rich past and cultural heritage. Its walls tell stories of medieval conflicts, noble residences, and artistic achievements, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this charming German city.