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nessa_gnatoush Says: Perched high on a basalt cliff, Stolpen Castle with its distinctive towers owes its fame to Countess Cosel. The repudiated mistress of August the Strong died in that place after 49 years of imprisonment and was buried in the castle chapel. An exhibition recalls her life and...
german_eagle Says: This chapel was built 1355 and dedicated to St. Basilius and Sta. Barbara. In 1401 it was re-dedicated to St. Erasmus. Rich donations allowed magnificent decorations and seven altars for the chapel.In 1559 with reformation the chapel was again redesigned as a protestant...
german_eagle Says: This tower was built 1451 - 76 by the Bishops of Meissen. On the ground floor an old kitchen - probably the herbs kitchen of duchess Anna - is preserved.Originally the tower had six corners and spires plus one spire in the middle - so it was called seven spires tower. But in...
german_eagle Says: In 1608 Elector Duke Christian II gave the order to build a well, which was of strategic importance for the castle.It took 22 years for the mining workers from Freiberg to finish the well. With 82 meters it is one of the deepest ones in the world in basalt stone.
german_eagle Says: This courtyard is the oldest part of the castle. It was surrounded by residential buildings of the Bishops of Meissen, which were rebuilt later for the Elector Dukes of Saxony. The rooms with magnificent architecture were wonderfully decorated.From 1764 on the decayed more...
german_eagle Says: The tower was built 1509 and got the name of the Evangelist Johannes, the patron of diocese Meissen.The basement served as prison. The tower was an important part of the fortifications.The small tower with the staircase was added in Renaissance times. Later the tower was...
german_eagle Says: The third courtyard was also called "cannon yard". As the name indicates, cannons were placed at the walls. In addition some economical buildings like forge, bakery, stables etc. were located in this yard. Two important towers are still to find here: the Cosel tower and the...
german_eagle Says: The main portal consists of a big gate and a small door by the side. The architecture of the portal is typical for the middle of the 16th century (Renaissance).In 1560 the sculptured Saxon coat-of-arms was added. The two knights are a symbol for the connection of the Saxon...
german_eagle Says: After passing the Kornhaus (and paying the entrance fee) you reach the 2nd courtyard, built in 1518 by erecting the Kornhaus building.Like the 1st courtyard this one also has a cistern. A bridge of stone replaced a draw-bridge of wood, leading across the large cistern.To the...
german_eagle Says: Leaving the 1st courtyard you enter a building which hosts the main guard room, the former stables, the corn house and the torture chamber.This building was erected in 1518. In the stables you can see a beautiful Renaissance hall with vaulted ceiling, where an exhibition on...
german_eagle Says: The 1st courtyard is the newest part of the castle, created with building the fortifications (W. C. von Klengel, see previous tip) in 1675.During a long time the courtyard served as herbs garden for the commander of the castle.Quite impressive is the cistern, still ready for...
german_eagle Says: The entrance of the castle as you see it today - Torhaus (gate house) - was built 1675 by the famous architect W. C. von Klengel (Dresden).The Torhaus served as accommodation for the guards (since 1634 the castle had a garrison). The draw-bridge is unfortunately not...
german_eagle Says: The first church at this place was built 1490 - 1500 under Bishop Johannes VI of Meissen. A fire destroyed the interior of this church in 1723. The nave was rebuilt in Baroque style, the choir remained in Gothic style. Most of the works of art date from the 18th century: the...
german_eagle Says: The Niedertor, also called "Dresdner Tor" is the only remaining city gate. Built in medieval times, this gate was still closed each day at sunset until 1800.
german_eagle Says: In the 18th century distance columns (Postmeilensäulen) were erected all over Saxony. Roads were built and folks needed to know which direction and how far away the next town was. More details on my Pirna page.This one is a beautifully restored example.
german_eagle Says: The most fancy (haha!) place in Stolpen. It is a 3star hotel (if I recall correctly) with a nice restaurant and beautiful terrace. Proper service, good local food. I especially like the venison with red cabbage and dumplings.I also believe to recall they have good cups of...
german_eagle Says: Same deal like with the Garküche. It is an old restaurant with basic food, some more choices than the Garküche. Prices are similar.A place for locals.
german_eagle Says: This is one of the oldest restaurants of Stolpen, first mentioned in 1659. It was the favourite place of the guards since it is located close to the Niedertor city gate.Simple local food is offered. Quality is good, prices are low.Exactly the place for a quick lunch or so.
german_eagle Says: "Burgimbiss" is the name of the fast food/snack shop in the castle. Not clean, too expensive, awful food. Bring your own picnic or go to a restaurant in town (see my restaurant tips).
german_eagle Says: Still outside the remains of the city wall and city gate you find this little square. It is surrounded by small old houses. A fountain with a sculpture of contemporary art decorates the square. In past centuries a cheese market was held there from time to time, therefore the...
Plan a Stolpen vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Stolpen locals
The Niedertor, also called "Dresdner Tor" is the only remaining city gate. Built in medieval times, this gate was still closed each day at sunset until 1800.
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Stolpen is a small town, located about 20 km east of Dresden. The old town was built on a hillside, the hill (a former volcano) topped by a castle. Stolpen was founded in the first half of the 15th...
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