A new research centre dedicated to the study of medieval castles has officially opened at the University of Tübingen, Germany. The Zentrum für Burgenforschung (Centre for Castle Research) brings together scholars from a range of disciplines to investigate how castles shaped the social, political, and cultural landscapes of the Middle Ages — and how much remains to be discovered about them.
Expanding the field of castle studies
Although castles are among the most iconic symbols of the medieval world, many aspects of their history are still unknown. How many castles once existed in Germany and Europe? What purposes did they serve beyond military defence? And what was everyday life like within their walls?
These are among the questions the new centre aims to answer. It unites research and teaching on the subject across eleven academic departments at the university, including medieval archaeology, history, cultural studies, and geoarchaeology. The initiative also involves cooperation with local authorities, heritage agencies, and partner institutions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Leadership and vision
The centre is coordinated by Professor Natascha Mehler, Chair of Medieval Archaeology, with Dr Michael Kienzle serving as its scientific director. Together, they hope to establish Tübingen as a leading European hub for castle research.
Professor Mehler emphasizes that many castles are still being discovered today:
“We regularly hear of new finds — for example when building work begins and previously unknown walls appear. Modern methods such as aerial laser scanning and ground-penetrating radar allow us to study areas where we once saw only forest or open fields.”
This technological progress, she notes, is transforming how archaeologists and historians understand the medieval landscape.
Rethinking the role of castles
The research undertaken at Tübingen challenges long-held assumptions about castles as purely defensive structures. Many were multifunctional — serving as administrative centres, customs stations, and symbols of noble power. They were also places of social life, where music, dance, and games played a role alongside the more serious business of governance and protection.
According to Dr Kienzle, this re-examination is crucial for correcting romanticised images of the Middle Ages:
“Our investigations are changing how we think about castles. The reality often differs greatly from the picture presented in films, medieval fairs, or later reconstructions.”
An interdisciplinary approach
The Centre for Castle Research adopts an interdisciplinary method that bridges history, archaeology, and natural sciences. Specialists in archaeometry, geology, and architecture work alongside historians and cultural scholars to create a more comprehensive understanding of medieval fortifications.
This collaboration also strengthens connections between the university and regional heritage institutions, encouraging both academic research and public engagement. The aim is not only to deepen scholarly knowledge but also to contribute to the preservation and interpretation of castle sites for future generations.
Looking ahead
With its establishment, the University of Tübingen continues a long tradition of archaeological and historical research while opening new perspectives on one of Europe’s most fascinating building types. The Centre for Castle Research is expected to host conferences, field projects, and publications that will enhance the visibility of German castle studies internationally.
Source: Based on reporting by Archäologie Online, “Zentrum für Burgenforschung an der Universität Tübingen eröffnet”, October 2025.
