Schloss Weesenstein: The Crown of Saxony

Schloss Weesenstein, located in Weesenstein, Germany, is a beautiful castle with unique architecture. It is a magnificent sight that gives the idea of how vastly the architectural style of Germany has changed over the centuries. Several rebuilding works have been done in the castle over the years, but it has never lost its beauty. If you are in Saxony, this castle is worth exploring.

Schloss Weesenstein History

Schloss Weesenstein was built around 1200 to defend the border of the Kingdom of Bohemia. The oldest part of the present castle’s structure is believed to be a central round tower which was erected around 1300. It is also believed that the castle was built for the burgraves of Dohna. They incorporated in Margraviate of Meissen in 1400. In 1406, the castle was transferred by Margrave to the Von Bunau family to show gratitude to them for their support in Dohna Feud.

Between 1526 and 1575, the Bureau family transformed the defensive castle structure into a residential Schloss. Their successive generations expanded the Schloss and made appropriate modifications to it. For 350 years, it was used as the family’s main seat. During 1756 and 1763, the consequence of the Seven Years’ war, the family lost most of their wealth and decided to sell the castle to the Von Uckermann family, who owned this castle for two generations and later developed its interiors and exteriors.

In 1830, King Anthony of Saxony purchased the Schloss Weesenstein. It remained with the family for about eighty-five years. In 1917, during World War I, it was sold to an entrepreneur. In 1934, an association acquired it for its heritage protection. The castle safely kept many collections of the Kupferstich-Kabinett of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. After the war, it was used to house refugees.

Today, Schloss Weesenstein is open to the public.

Schloss Weesenstein Architecture

The architecture of Schloss Weesenstein we see today is the product of development and rebuilding in different centuries. It has a mix of styles. Mostly, you will notice Gothic architecture and Classical architecture throughout the castle. It also has medieval roots that beautifully connect with baroque embellishments and Renaissance. It is built on the rock, making it visible from a distance. It has eight storeys, which descends from the central, medieval round tower.

The main portal of this Schloss was initially built in 1575. It is known as Saxony’s one of the most valuable Renaissance portals. The formal and English landscape garden adjacent to the castle increases its beauty even more. Overall, this castle is a hidden gem which you must explore.

Schloss Weesenstein Inside

Schloss Weesenstein has around 200 rooms, and each has its unique architecture. The Baroque chapel of the castle is known as the artistic highlight. The rooms where the royal family of Saxe lived a century ago are well-preserved. You can explore around 35 rooms of the castle during your visit. They all are lavishly furnished and decorated. Most windows of the castle are merely painted, which increases the overall aesthetic. It also includes a museum that offers much information about Weesenstein’s history.

Nitesh Kucchal

Nitesh Kuchhal, an IIM Calcutta graduate, is more than an educator—he's a mentor. With a passion for leadership and entrepreneurship, and travel. He has explored over 20 countries. Beyond teaching, he dives into psychology and discusses social issues. Though he is not a history expert, he enjoys learning about it through books, adding a historical touch to his many interests.