Paul Francke (architect)

Paul Francke (c. 1537, Weimar - 10 November 1615, Wolfenbüttel) was a German Renaissance architect, most notable as director of works for the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg from 1564 until his death in 1615.

His works include the Juleum Novum in Helmstedt, the Marienkirche in Wolfenbüttel (where he is also buried) and the Burganlage in Erichsburg.

Since he was born in Weimar, he was influenced by 16th century castles and town halls in Thuringia and Saxony.

In 1575 he was put in charge of all the duke's building projects, including the fortifications for the new Heinrichstadt and Wolfenbüttel Castle, employing the Dutch engineer Wilhelm de Raet.

[1] From 1608 he also designed and supervised the construction of the Marienkirche in Wolfenbüttel, commissioned by Henry Julius, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg.