Please click on the picture to enlarge The special significance
of Burghausen Castle derives from its historical importance as a
sovereign castle belonging to the Bavarian Wittelsbachs and its
architectural standing as one of the most magnificent examples
of late medieval fortifications. The massive stronghold was the
most effective fortress in the country and embodied the power
and representative ambitions of the Bavarian dukes. From 1255 to
1503 the castle was the second residence of the Lower Bavarian
dukes, whose seat was in Landshut. As a safe family residence it
served many different functions during this period: it was a
court for the duchesses and the home of their children, and it
was the residential seat of the ducal heir and his wife and of
widows from the ruling family. It was also in this well-
fortified complex that the Rich Dukes of Bavaria-Landshut kept
their gold and silver. Portrait of Princess Hedwig, wife of Duke
Georg der Reiche (Georg the Rich), around 1530 (Burg Trausnitz,
Landshut) The