Blutenburg Castle

München, Germany

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Blutenburg Castle in Munich, Germany, is a historic ducal country seat built between 1438 and 1439 by Duke Albert III of Bavaria as a hunting lodge on the banks of the River Würm.

It replaced an older 13th-century moated castle, the remains of which were uncovered in 1981. His son, Duke Sigismund, expanded the castle starting in 1488 and died there in 1501. The castle deteriorated during the Thirty Years' War but was rebuilt in 1680–81, losing much of its defensive character. The castle is surrounded by a ring wall with three towers and a gate tower.

Its late Gothic chapel, commissioned by Sigismund, is preserved with stunning stained glass and altars featuring paintings by Jan Polack from 1491, as well as a cycle of apostle statues from around 1490/95.

Today, Blutenburg Castle houses the International Youth Library, the world's largest collection of children's and youth literature, and hosts cultural events and exhibitions. The idyllic riverside setting, historic architecture, and cultural significance make it a beloved landmark in Munich.​