Glauchau

Glauchau stands above the Zwickauer Mulde beneath a castle built by the lords of Schönburg in the late twelfth century. The town, whose name is of Slavic origin, was first recorded in 1240. Its planned upper settlement grew under the castle's protection, and by 1335 town and fortress formed a fortified complex.

Rivalry between the brothers Hermann and Friedrich of Schönburg brought war to their lands between 1347 and 1355; in 1349 inhabitants took refuge in the town and castle as armed men sent by their Bohemian Schönburg relatives approached. In 1372 the margraves of Meissen renounced their claims over Glauchau and neighbouring Schönburg lordships in favour of Emperor Charles IV. The town remained an important principal seat of the Schönburg family in the Mulde valley.