When the Nazi party came to power in 1933, Colditz Castle was turned into a political prison for communists, homosexuals, Jews, and other "undesirables"

The building of Colditz castle was begun in 1158 after Emperor Frederick Barbossa appointed Thimo I “Lord Colditz”. During the 13th century, the town of Colditz was established and the surrounding forests, meadows and farmland settled.

The middle ages saw Colditz castle playing an essential role as a watchtower for the German Emperors, thus becoming an integral part of the Reich territories of Pleibenland. At the start of the 15th century, Thimo VIII sold Colditz for 15,000 silver marks to the Wettin family, ending 250 years of rule by the Lords of Colditz.

In 1430, the Hussites attacked Colditz, setting the city and castle alight. Thirty years later in 1464, restoration work on the castle was started by Prince Ernst, who died at the castle in 1486. Under Frederick the Wise and Johann the Gentle, Colditz became a royal residence of the Electors of Saxony.

Colditz was never far away from trouble and in 1504; a servant accidentally set Colditz on fire. The castle, city hall, church and a large part of the city went up in flames. In 1506, rebuilding of the castle was carried out and new buildings were raised around the rear castle courtyard. During the first half of the 16th century the park at Colditz castle was turned into one of the largest zoos in Europe.

The castle underwent further modification during the reign of the elector Augustus of Saxony (1553 to 1586), with the alterations being carried out in the Renaissance style.

Around 1584, the castle became an administrative centre for the Office of Colditz and a hunting lodge and in 1694, the present owner, Augustus the Strong, began extension work on the castle. These extensions included a second courtyard and the addition of 700 rooms.

The castle was turned into a workhouse in 1803 by Frederick Augustus III, Elector of Saxony. For the next 26 years until 1829, it feed the poor, the ill, and persons under arrest. This chapter in the castles history was then transferred to an institution in Zwickau. In 1829 the castle became a mental hospital for the "incurably insane" from Waldheim. In 1864, a purposely built hospital was erected on the site where the stables and working quarters were previously located. It remained a mental institution until 1924.

When the Nazi party came to power in 1933, Colditz Castle was turned into a political prison for communists, homosexuals, Jews, and other "undesirables". It was not until World War II that allied prisoners were interned within its walls.

Towards the end of the war, in May 1945, the Soviets occupied Colditz. They turned the castle into a prison camp for local burghers and non-communists. Later the castle became a home for the aged, as well as a hospital and psychiatric clinic.

The final occupiers of Colditz castle vacated the premises on August 1, 1996, and since then the castle has been almost empty except for the occasional visitor.

Tourist Information

Opening Times

Moday– Friday 8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

Saturday 9.00 a.m.– 5.00 p.m.

Sunday / public holiday 10.00 a.m.– 5.00 p.m.

24.12. – 26.12., 31.12., 01.01.closed

Admission Prices:

guided tour through the castle 6,00 Euro ( to 4 persons with guidance 7.00 Euro ) reduced rate caused by refurnishment 5,00 Euro

reduced rate 3,00 Euro (pupils, students, disabled persons) family card 12,00 Euro

group rate5,00 Euro per person

town museum 2,00 Euro - reduced rate1,00 Euro

dental museum 2,00 Euro - reduced rate 1,00 Euro

Tours

Every day guided tours arrangements can be made by appointment 10.30 a.m./1.00 p.m./3.00 p.m

Special guided tours on request