Sachsenburg Castle, Frankenberg, Saxony, Germany

Sachsenburg Castle rises near Frankenberg, Saxony, on a rock over the Zschopau river. The castle complex, which was built in the early 13th century at the latest, was converted into a castle in the 1480s. The complex is one of the few examples of a completely preserved late Gothic residential palace in Saxony.

The Lords of Sachsenburg were mentioned for the first time in 1197. It is uncertain whether a castle already existed at that time. Around 1210/30, however, the existence of the castle can be reliably proven on the basis of archaeological finds. The builders were evidently the Lords of Mildenstein.

Since 1610 the castle served as an administrative building for the Electoral Saxon Office of Sachsenburg with Frankenberg. During the Thirty Years War , the first and second outer bailey were destroyed and the castle looted.

From 1864 the castle was used as custody for young female prisoners and in 1867 a penal and correctional institution was established here. The property was only reserved for prisoners until 1926, and from 1914 onwards there were prisoners of war (Russians, including interned academics and students of the Freiberg Mining Academy , Englishmen, Serbs).

Along with Lichtenburg, Sachsenburg was among the first concentration camps to be built by the Nazis, and operated by the SS from 1933 to 1937. The camp was an abandoned four-story textile mill which was renovated in May 1933 to serve as a 'protective custody' facility for dissidents such as Jehovah's Witnesses, who opposed the Nazi regime.

Today the castle restoration is in progress.

References:

second.wiki

User Reviews

Stefan (7 months ago)
Castle located above the Zschopau, which could certainly be used more. The castle is completely surrounded by a construction fence and apparently not accessible to the public.

Samoht Regniltto (2 years ago)
Finally you were allowed to go into the castle, which is currently being renovated. And I wasn't alone in that desire. Unfortunately, access was very poorly organized, although one had to expect that people would flock there in droves. Once you were inside, things went very smoothly and you learned a lot about the complex and expensive renovation. There will probably be a lot of time before the castle is open to the public again. Unfortunately, no one knows yet what future use will look like. What a shame actually!

Sabine Eidam (2 years ago)
Facade very nicely restored. So does the roof and the yard. The interiors are currently being restored or are already partially restored. Unfortunately, the castle was only open today for Open Monument Day. Absolutely worth seeing! Parking directly at the castle is not possible, but there is a good parking space right at the foot with access via stairs.

Da Maris Siramad (2 years ago)
Worth the trip. You can only admire the castle from the outside but you can make very nice excursions from there. Personally, I often take a walk in the forest around the castle. I love peace and quiet. It's nice to see, but unfortunately still closed. I can't wait until it finally opens

Frank B. (3 years ago)
The pictures are not typical of the castle as such, but in November there is a wonderful atmosphere all around the Zschopau. Dark, cool misty... glorious

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