Finsterwalde Castle

Finsterwalde Castle is a Renaissance complex in Brandenburg, Germany, consisting of two main parts: the Front Castle and the Rear Castle, each with a courtyard. The Rear Castle, a uniform four-winged structure with sandstone-framed windows, retains a Renaissance appearance. The Front Castle is made up of buildings from various periods, from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. A bridge and tower with a pyramid roof connect the two sections. Parts of the Rear Castle still contain elements of a medieval fortress.

The first recorded lord of the castle was Heinemanus of Finsterwalde in 1282. In the 14th and 15th centuries, it was reportedly used by a robber knight named von Gorenzen. From the 15th century to 1625, noble families including von Maltitz, von Minckwitz, and von Dieskau owned the property. Major renovations, especially under the von Dieskau family from 1533, gave the castle much of its current form.

In the 19th century, the Front Castle housed textile factories, while the Rear Castle was a residence. Since 1885, the Front Castle has served as Finsterwalde's town hall. The city acquired the Rear Castle in 1919, and a fire station (now a museum) was built on part of the grounds in 1925.

Today, the castle's courtyards and park are open to visitors, and parts of the interior can be viewed during city hall opening hours.

Address
Schloßstraße 7/8, Finsterwalde, Germany

Established
16th century