Rochlitz Castle

Rochlitz, Germany

Rochlitz Castle lies in the west of the town of Rochlitz. It was built on the site of an imperial castle, erected in the second half of the 10th century, which fell into the possession of the Wettin margraves in 1143. Its appearance, which includes several Romanesque wings, is considerably influenced by its remodelling into a margravial schloss in the fourth quarter of the 14th century. Further conversions and additions followed at the end of the 15th and in the 16th centuries, when the castle became a secondary residenz, dower house and hunting lodge for the Wettin family. The castle or palace was the residence for members of the Saxon princely house eight times. From the 18th century the castle served as an administrative centre (justice department and district court); in 1852 it became a gaol, which necessitated considerable alteration. The museum founded in 1892 was gradually expanded and, today, takes up almost the entire castle.

The palace lies southwest of the historic town centre of Rochlitz on a spur of the Rochlitzer Berg that descends gradually towards the east-northeast and is flanked by the Zwickau Mulde to the southeast and the Hellerbach stream to the northwest. The hill spur is divided into the Nosswitz castle hill in the west, which at 200 m above sea level is noticeably higher and covers an area of about 300 metres by 60 metres, and the Rochlitz castle hill with the palace complex (about 90 × 30–40 m), separated by a late medieval neck ditch. The main palace is further separated by ditches from the western lower bailey (the so-called Unterschloss) and the eastern lower bailey (Vorburg) with St. Peter's Church and a total length of about 220 × 40 m.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 10th century AD
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Ottonian Dynasty (Germany)

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Diāna Līkopa (2 months ago)
Castle located in a very nice little old town. We didn't go inside the castles territory as it was a holiday and it was closed.
Constantin Mindru (7 months ago)
Nice museum they have. Not at all in English but they said that the next year 2024 will have the guide in English as well.
Eran Marcus (9 months ago)
We came with our two children (ages 6 and 3) and had a great family time! many interactive exhibits, games, and interesting things to see and experience. We spent almost 3 hours there. very recommended!
Nirob Shovon (9 months ago)
Great view from the top of the castle. You can come & take a scoop of ice cream and enjoy the sunny day.
Petr Sobíšek (9 months ago)
A beautiful castle with a thousand-year history in a romantic place above the river. Tours without a guide. Definitely worth a visit.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.