Historical figure

Johann Adolf von Fürstenberg

Cathedral provost at Paderborn and Münster · Drost of the Duchy of Westphalia · Canon at Münster

Johann Adolf von Fürstenberg (Cologne, 16 March 1631 – Herdringen, 14 April 1704) was a Catholic churchman, cathedral provost at Paderborn and Münster, drost of the Duchy of Westphalia, diplomat and builder of Schloss Adolfsburg at Oberhundem. The youngest son of the landdrost Friedrich von Fürstenberg and Anna Maria von Kerpen, he for a time administered the family estates before entrusting them to his nephew Ferdinand. In the 1670s he had the moated Baroque castle of Adolfsburg built, which he inhabited from 1679 until his death, dividing his time between his canonical residences at Münster, Paderborn and Hildesheim.

Portrait of Johann Adolf von Fürstenberg
Birth16 mars 1631, Cologne
Death14 avril 1704, Herdringen
RoleCathedral provost at Paderborn and Münster · Drost of the Duchy of Westphalia
Housevon Fürstenberg
Era17th century
History & heritage

A prelate who built

Johann Adolf von Fürstenberg, a churchman, acquired various peasant estates around Oberhundem and had Adolfsburg built there as a residence for rest and old age. Emperor Leopold I raised the castle to the rank of noble seat by a diploma dated 20 February 1676; the forecourt dates from around 1681.

Schloss AdolfsburgSchloss Adolfsburg
Timeline

Key moments in their life

1631

Born in Cologne, youngest son of the landdrost Friedrich von Fürstenberg.

années 1670

Construction of Schloss Adolfsburg at Oberhundem, probably after Ambrosius von Oelde.

1676

Diploma of Emperor Leopold I raising the castle to the rank of noble seat.

1679-1704

Permanent residence at Adolfsburg.

1704

Died at Herdringen; buried in the Franciscan church at Attendorn.

Associated heritage

Castles linked to this figure

1 place
Historical network

Linked personalities

Portrait of Ambrosius von Oelde
Ambrosius von OeldeProbable architect of Schloss AdolfsburgPlans probably attributed to this architect according to historiography.→
Portrait of Johann Mauritz Gröninger
Johann Mauritz GröningerSculptor of the chimneypieces and the bustAuthor of two chimneypieces in the Knights' Hall and an alabaster bust of Johann Adolf.→
Portrait of Ferdinand von Fürstenberg
Ferdinand von FürstenbergNephew, takes over the administration of the family estatesUpon coming of age, Ferdinand resumes management of the family's property.→
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Johann Adolf von Fürstenberg in history

Between Adolfsburg and the chapters

After handing over the administration of the family estates to his nephew, he lived alternately at Adolfsburg and, in fulfilment of his duties as a canon, at Münster, Paderborn and Hildesheim, while multiplying pious foundations.

Documentation

Sources for this entry

This summary cross-references several sources to document the places, events and historical relationships.