Baroque universe

Art Chamber, Museum of Nature, Historical Museum, Ducal Museum, Thuringian State Archive, and Research Library – Gothas' massive castle ensemble is a genuine treasure store, with all treasures conserved for almost 350 years. Friedenstein is Germany's Louvre. 
 

©Thomas Walkling, Schatzkammer Gotha

Outside wow! – Inside even more wow! 

The castle, built on a hill on the outskirts of the city, is mighty with its four wings. Friedenstein is not externally comparable to the Louvre; it is more modestly ornamented. However, the duke intended the structure to be essentially plain and simple, with a focus on form and functionality. Inside, things appear completely different. 

The ancient living and representation rooms, which come from the Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism periods, are extremely well-appointed. This consequently reflects the castle's extensive history.

The fact that so much has been preserved here is due to Frederick III of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg. The great-grandson of the blacksmith remained in Gotha with his wife during the Seven Years' War to prevent devastation and plunder by enemy troops.

Picture and head picture: ©Marcus Glahn, Schatzkammer Gotha

High visit 

Duke Friedrich and his wife Luise Dorothea hosted high-ranking guests on multiple occasions, including Voltaire, who stayed for five weeks. The French philosopher was also present beyond. The couple often staged their own performances in the court theatre, today’s Ekhof-Theater, which was frequently forbidden by censorship. A visit here is worthwhile, if not with a guide, to the Ekhof festival, which revives the baroque theater with performances.

©Marcus Glahn, Schatzkammer Gotha

The couple also hosted Frederick the Great twice, and numerous embellishments in the castle's halls reflect this. So, you can find paintings or the beloved porcelain collection of the duchess, who even Frederick the Great once admired. 

A Duke in a House Coat 

Besides, the Duke and Duchess would have a great time. They frequently visited Eisenach, Molsdorf, and Weimar for business, family gatherings, or recreation. Friedrich ate well, saw the sights, liked the variety, and moved in pleasant weather and fresh air. At his old age, he particularly valued the therapeutic springs at Ronneburg and spent several weeks there each year to recuperate. For him, it was also a nice opportunity to see family in a relaxed setting.

©Udo Bernhart, Thüringer Tourismus GmbH

Frederick III appointed his wife as a government counsellor and transferred her political correspondence. They were passionate about Enlightenment literature and philosophy. Luise Dorothea Gotha is cleverly networked as an artistic and scientific center in the European high culture network.

The duke and his wife could still act as ambassadors for Thuringia today, enjoying art, culture, and nature at their leisure. Even a duke in a house coat occasionally appears and looks forward to the visitors.

©P. R. Mundthal, Stiftung Schloss Friedenstein Gotha