Scharfenstein Castle

Scharfenstein, Germany

The original structure of Scharfenstein castle was built in 1250. It is suspected that the von Waldenburgs ordered its construction, but only its first owner occupant is known for certain. When, in the 15th century, Greifenstein Castle was destroyed, Scharfenstein also took over the guardianship of Thum, Ehrenfriedersdorf and Geyer. As a result, its value increased, so that in 1439 the Elector acquired the area from the Waldenburgs who were heavily indebted to him. On 26 January 1492 Henry of Einsiedel bought Scharfenstein Castle and its associated villages of Grießbach, Großolbersdorf, Grünau, Hohndorf Hopfgarten and Scharfenstein It remained in the family until 1931.

Following a fire during the night of 1st-2nd June 1921 the entire residential wing and part of the domestic wing was destroyed. From 1921 to 1923 the damaged wings were partially rebuilt to plans by Bodo Ebhardt, based on the old design.

In 1931, a factory owner, Captain Eulitz from Fährbrücke, acquires possession. By his efforts in 1932 in a bird observatory was established. Hundreds of nest boxes were put up throughout the 325 hectares of woodland on the estate; bird-ringing was carried out and scientific reports published, with the support of the Chemnitz Ornithological Society.

In 1945 this forest was seized and made public property, the castle was initially used as the mining school for the state-owned Wismut mining company and, in 1951, a special children's home was established here for maladjusted boys. In 1967, it was converted into a detention centre for juvenile delinquents. Ornithological work was undertaken by the museum at Augustusburg Castle.

In 1993 the castle was taken over by the Saxon Palace Department of the Free State of Saxony. In the period that followed the castle was renovated as a historic monument and converted into a museum. In 1995, on the completion of the renovation work, various exhibitions were opened - and for the first time since 1945, the castle was again open to the public. The bergfried is still used today as an observation tower.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1250
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Sree Harsha (17 months ago)
Nice place. Nice view. Lovely atmosphere. Felt so happy.
Felicia S (2 years ago)
Dinner last night amazing ... exploring castles and the wine country ...
Jamie Chan (3 years ago)
Truly a “Family Castle” visit as how they promote this castle ?? you can definitely spend half/whole day here (they do not have any F&B offering except a stand with take away; small offering of sausages/Glühwein) Definitely recommend and we would also like to come again ??? • Before you reach the castle entrance on the left you already come to a kid’s craft area/room where you can buy some retail items for the kids to get their hands dirty with decorating their own “shield/swords” and other collectible items • WC is available • just scan ur ticket to get to places ?? even the watch tower (or u can go up the watch tower at 1€, coin only) • the area around and outside the castle is great for picnics n sit around with direct sun • the Knight exhibition is until Feb2022
Jon Belen (3 years ago)
We did the tour of the castle. Enjoyed learning of its history. It also has a wooden toys museum, and a pirate theme playground. Fun for kids.
Lucian Danalache (5 years ago)
Great place for kids, lots of things for them to see. No English speaking staff or signs. Have a German speaking friend with you.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Villa d'Este

The Villa d'Este is a 16th-century villa in Tivoli, near Rome, famous for its terraced hillside Italian Renaissance garden and especially for its profusion of fountains: the extraordinary system contains fifty-one fountains and nymphaeums, 398 spouts, 364 water jets, 64 waterfalls, and 220 basins, fed by 875 meters of canals, channels and cascades, and all working entirely by the force of gravity, without pumps. It is now an Italian state museum, and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Tivoli had been a popular summer residence since ancient Roman times due to its altitude, cooler temperatures and its proximity to the Villa Hadriana, the summer residence of the Emperor Hadrian I.

The Villa was commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este (1509-1572), second son of Alfonso I d'Este, the Duke of Ferrara and grandson of Pope Alexander VI, along with Lucrezia Borgia.