Doberlug Castle
Description
Doberlug Castle, located in Doberlug-Kirchhain, Brandenburg, is a Renaissance four-winged complex that originated as a Cistercian monastery founded in 1165. After the monastery's dissolution in 1541, it was converted into a noble residence. Expanded as a hunting lodge and later a ducal seat, the castle gained prominence under the Saxon and Saxony-Merseburg rulers in the 17th century.
Throughout the centuries, it served various functions, from ducal residence to administrative offices, prison, and military barracks. After World War II, the Soviet army occupied it, followed by the East German police and military until 1988. Restoration began in the 1990s, and the castle has since become a cultural venue.
Architecturally, the castle features bright façades, red-tiled roofs, decorative gables, stair towers, and a courtyard with a well and sculpted details. Since 2014, it has hosted exhibitions, including the Brandenburg State Exhibition on Saxon-Brandenburg history, and houses the Dohna-Schlobitten Collection, showcasing European aristocratic art.
The erlebnisREICH Naturpark exhibit, opened in 2018, offers interactive exploration of the local natural park and cultural landscape, with trails, digital features, and a nature-themed playground on the castle grounds.