Torgau's Hartenfels Castle was seen as the most modern residential castle in the 16th century.
Hartenfels, which is the modern seat of the District Office of North Saxony, was considered to be the most modern residential castle in Saxony in the 16th century. For centuries it has been the scene of historically important events. The names Martin Luther, Friedrich the Wise and Johann Friedrich the Magnanimous are closely bound to its history. In addition, many anecdotes serve to remind us of other important personalities, such as Tsar Peter I, Lucas Cranach and Napoleon. In the exhibition wing of the castle, the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden – in cooperation with the district of Northern Saxony and the district capital Torgau – present special exhibitions around the Luther Decade. These change annually.
Furthermore, visitors can marvel at the castle church, the first Protestant church, the lapidarium in the lower courtyard and the exhibition "Traces of Unrighteousness" by the Documentation and Information Center (DIZ) Torgau.
Three brown bears are housed in the castle's bear pit, to the delight of not only small castle visitors.
Lapidary
In the Lower Courthouse, the oldest part of the castle, a unique, medieval structure and the impressive vault below the castle church invite visitors to experience a fascinating excursion into the architectural history of the castle. The lapidarium (Latin: stone collection) lets the castle's "stone witnesses" tell their stories.
Hausmannsturm
Hartenfels castle's medieval tower, standing at an impressive 53 meters high, connects the late Gothic Albrecht building with the magnificent early Renaissance Johann Friedrich building. Inside the tower, small exhibitions on the life of the jester Claus Narr and the flood of the century in 2002 make for an interesting few hours.
More information:
- Visitor bathroom available
