Burgplatz is comprised of a group of buildings of great historical and cultural importance. The seat of the dukedom of Braunschweig has been located here since the 9th century. Duke Henry the Lion developed the Burgplatz area into a centre of power during the 12th century. The Burgplatz, which includes the castle, the cathedral, the Classicistic Vieweg House and other beautiful half-timbered structures still shows evidence of its medieval ground plan. The statue of the Lion of the Castle (Burglöwe) is located at the centre of the square.