Sondershausen

Sondershausen lies in the Thuringian country south of the Harz, where a princely residence developed beside a settlement serving the surrounding farmland. The castle and court gave the town administrative duties and supported craftsmen, servants and merchants. Agricultural estates supplied food and revenue, while regional roads connected the community with other centres of central Germany. Its urban identity was closely related to the presence of a ruling household.

A division of Schwarzburg lands in 1571 created a branch under Count Johann Günther, who made Sondershausen his residence. In 1697 Count Christian Wilhelm secured elevation of the dynasty to the rank of imperial princes. The residence developed in the Baroque era, and its court supported administrative and cultural life in this small Thuringian state.