Dömitz Fortress

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

Address

An der Festung 1C, Dömitz, Germany

Details

Founded: 1559-1565
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Reformation & Wars of Religion (Germany)