Hartenfels Castle is an artchitectural jewel in the Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque style in the German town of Torgau, Saxony, built between the lXV and XVII centuries on the remains of a pre-existing medieval fortress.
It is one of the best-preserved castles in the early Renaissance style in Germany and hosts performances and cultural events as well as a variety of permanent exhibitions.
Schloss Hartenfels History
With its 163 steps, the tower known as Hausmannsturm is also a fitness challenge. From the top, on the viewing platform, there is a unique view of Torgau's rooftops and the wide landscape of the Elbe River.
The castle chapel was inaugurated by Martin Luther himself in 1544. It is considered the first building purpose-built as a Protestant place of worship and was taken as a model for later church buildings. Lucas Cranach and his workshop were active here, as was Johann Walter, who founded Torgau's first town choir and later became director of the Hofkapelle (court orchestra) in Dresden.
The long tradition of bear breeding at Schloss Hartenfels began in 1425 and was only interrupted in the 18th century. Since the 1950s bears have returned to the bear pit, currently the three brown bears Jette (*1988 in Torgau), Bea and Benno (*2013 at Wildlife Park Gangelt in North Rhine-Westphalia).
A visit to the "bear pit" where animals are bred according to a longstanding castle tradition is a must. This practice began in 1425 and was only discontinued in the 18th century. Since the 1950s, bears have returned to the bear pit, and there are currently three brown bears housed and cared for in a manner appropriate to the species by two keepers.