Dömitz Fortress, Dömitz, Germany

From a strategic point of view the mighty Dömitz fortress could hardly have been built in a better location: It protected the south-western border of Mecklenburg and the Elbe crossings. Furthermore, duties could be levied on the Elbe.

The pentagon-shaped Renaissance fortress was erected between 1559 und 1565 under Duke Johann Albrecht I. The architect was Francesco a Bornau, an Italian. From the 18th century on, the fortress served as a prison. The most famous prisoner was the Mecklenburg author Fritz Reuter, who had to spend some years here in the 19th century.

The Dömitz Fortress survived the centuries without appreciable destruction. In the year 1975 it was declared a protected monument.

Today many parts of the fortress are accessible to visitors. From the ramparts you can overlook the entire complex. In the casemates you can imagine how the prisoners in the fortress felt. The exhibitions in the gun powder magazine and in the commander’s house tell about the history of the fortress and the town of Dömitz.

References:

mecklenburg-vorpommern.eu

User Reviews

Michael griesche (5 years ago)
Ein Ort wo man Zeit braucht, aber auch Interesse für mittelalterliche Geschichte einfach viel zu entdecken vor allem wenn man erst erkundet hat und dann in das Museum geht wo eine Miniatur vorhandenen ist toll gemacht

Heiko (6 years ago)
Ok

Tadge (6 years ago)
Interesting place. Great cafe nearby that backs onto the old border- entrance on the main road

Joshua Carney (6 years ago)
Wonderful place to enjoy an afternoon

Roger Longden (7 years ago)
Made a special trip across from Celle today only to find that the main commandants house was closed - that fact was overlooked at the cash desk! More than worth a visit if you get the chance though- a time capsule

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