Schloss Hirschberg

In the 18th century, Prince-Elector Clemens August of Bavaria commissioned Johann Conrad Schlaun to make several modifications.

[1] Beginning in 1662, Prince-Elector Maximilian Henry of Bavaria commissioned the construction of a new palace on this site, intended primarily as a base for princely hunts.

[1] Unlike the extensive renovations at Arnsberg Castle, Johann Conrad Schlaun's work at Hirschberg primarily focused on redesigning the interiors.

[1] Additionally, Clemens August commissioned the construction of the so-called Hirschberg Gate in 1753, which closed off the open side of the courtyard in the three-winged complex.

These additions further enhanced the palace's role as a center of both hunting and courtly life, reflecting Clemens August's passion for the sport and his devotion to religious observance.

From their waiting place, the Prince-Elector and his guests could watch the hunters, horses and hounds as they persecuted the frantic stag at great speed.

[3] The individual floors were separated by belt cornices, and local rubble stones were used as the primary building material, with the windows framed by surrounds.

On the right side, a large electoral coat of arms is displayed, and on the left, the intertwined initials "CA," embellished with hunting motifs.

Inside the gate, on the left side, the following inscription about the building's patron is displayed: “CLEMENZ: AUGUST: D(ei): G(ratia): ARCHIEP(iscopus)S: COL(oniensis): S(arcri): R(omani): IMP(erii): P(er) ITAL(iam): ARCHICA(ncellarius): ET: EL(ector): LEG(atus): NAT(us): S(anctae): SED(is): AP(ostolicae): AD(ministrator): SUP(remus): BOR(ussiae): ORD(inis): TEUT(onici): P(er) GERM(aniam): ITAL(iam): TRA(n)SMARI(num)Q(ue): PRAEF(ectus): EP(iscopus): HIL(desheimensis): PAD(erbornensis): MO(nasteriensis): E(t): OSN(abrugenesis): UTRIUSQ(ue): BAVA(riae): SUP(erioris): PAL(atinatus): WEST(phaliae): ET: UNG(ariae): DUX: ETC: ETC.” On the right side, it reads: "PORTAS EX FVNDAMENTO EXTRAVCTAS HIS STATVIS EXORNARI CVRAVAT."

After the death of Clemens August I of Bavaria, interest in Schloss Hirschberg from the Prince-Electors of Cologne dwindled, and large hunts were rarely held.

In 1824, a survey of art monuments brought the gate to the attention of the district administrator Franz Anton Thüsing, who proposed relocating it to Arnsberg.

The final decision came when the Upper Building Deputation ordered a wing of the former Wedinghausen Monastery to be demolished for fire safety reasons.

In 1893, another plaque was added to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Laurentianum Gymnasium: "By God's grace – the school thrived – teacher and scholar – 250 years."