Weesenstein Castle has dominated the Mueglitz Valley near Pirna for 800 years. It has been extensively renovated, layer by layer, on several occasions to bring the architecture in line with contemporary tastes. Gothic and Classicist elements combine to form a unique specimen that stands out from all castles in Saxony. Its intriguing staircase has many nooks and crannies to explore, including a horse stable on the fifth floor. Rooms adorned with precious tapestries are located one floor below the cellar. Every fifth window is simply painted on the facade of this strange castle. Sometimes one can hear the former lord of the manor haunting the "monks' street." Those who love castles will always find little adventures in Weesenstein Castle before taking a leisurely stroll through the French-style castle grounds.
Schloss Weesenstein History
According to archaeological findings, the history of Weesenstein Castle begins more than 800 years ago. As a medieval fortification, it was first mentioned in a document from 1318 as "Weysinberg, dem huse." At that time, Weesenstein belonged to the directly imperial burgraviate of Dohna.
After the Saxon royals sold the castle and manor of Weesenstein to the industrial magnate Alwin in 1917, silence descended on the castle. The signs of decay were increasingly evident. Bauer's heir was unable to maintain the castle and sold it. In 1933, the National Association for the Protection of the Saxon Homeland purchased the Weesenstein property with the help of donations from the population and, a year later, founded the museum that still exists today.
During World War II, the castle rooms served to house and protect numerous art treasures from Dresden. After 1945, responsibility for the castle and park passed to the Weesenstein community. Today Weesenstein Castle and Park are owned by the Free State of Saxony.