It looks like a medieval ruin, but it is not: The Löwenburg Castle was commissioned by Landgrave William IX. built between 1793 and 1801 in the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe modeled on a ruined knight's castle. It was intended to portray the historical significance of the House of Hesse, which has ruled since the Middle Ages. Thus the complex is equipped with everything a medieval castle needs – from the mighty castle tower, through the tournament ground, to the armory.

Wilhelm IX had the interiors fitted out like a princely pleasure palace, although he never lived there. With the medieval staging, valuable collection pieces and costumed servants, the Löwenburg was meant above all to impress his guests. A crypt beneath the castle chapel serves as Wilhelm's burial place.