Fortress Königstein: history and modernity

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Germany is rich in various cultural monuments that any tourist should definitely visit. But the Saxon Switzerland National Park deserves special attention. After all, it is here that the world-famous bridge, and a huge military fortress, and one of the largest "table" mountains are located. Beautiful views of "Saxon Switzerland", the Bastei and the Königstein fortress, proudly towering over the river surrounded by a picturesque landscape, will definitely not leave anyone indifferent!

Location

Königstein Fortress (Germany) is located in the region of Saxon Switzerland, not far from Dresden. Its name in translation means "royal stone". The massive fortress is located right on the rocks, or rather on a huge rocky plateau, towering 240 m above the Elbe. Near Königstein is the city of the same name and several small villages. Interestingly, the fortress is so large that 13 football fields could easily be located on its square.

The historical significance of the fortress

For the first time, the Königstein fortress was mentioned in the charter of Wenceslas I in 1233. Then it was still considered the property of the Czech kingdom and was just an ordinary castle. However, in 1241 the citadel began to actively expand. The reason for the expansion of the building was a very convenient location near the Elbe River, which was just the main trading artery. In 1459, after the final determination of the Czecho-Saxon border, the Königstein fortress was transferred to the Margraviate of Meissen.

In the sixteenth century Duke George the Bearded attempted to make a Celestine monastery out of the fortress. But in 1524 the monastery ceased to exist due to the fact that Saxony became Protestant.

It was in this castle that the famous alchemist Bettger was kept. His main task was to find a formula for obtaining gold, but instead of gold, the alchemist received the famous Meissen porcelain. Thanks to this porcelain, Saxony began to enrich itself. It was even called "white gold".

Other great figures were not indifferent to the Königstein Fortress. The fortress was personally visited by Napoleon Bonaparte and Russian Emperor Peter I.

Königstein Fortress was used both as a refuge for monarchs and as a prison. After the Dresden uprising, revolutionaries were kept in the castle. During the First and Second World Wars, Königstein became a prison for Russian officers and generals. In addition, paintings by famous artists taken from the gallery in Dresden were hidden in the castle after the start of World War II.

Fortress now

Since 1955, the citadel has become a museum. Observation platforms were installed especially for visitors, and a hiking trail was equipped. Since 2005, an elevator has appeared, there are also several taverns and a church right inside the fortress, where those who wish can get married. For travelers, there are guest rooms that can be rented for several nights.

Fortress from the inside

The only entrance to the territory is a whole branched system of bridges, portals and tunnels. To get directly to the citadel, you must pass the seven gates or take the elevator upstairs.

The castle had everything you need for life. Barracks, various military fortifications, gunpowder and armory warehouses were provided for the soldiers. For entertainment, a special officer's casino was even built. In general, in Königstein everything was arranged so that the soldiers could transport their families to the citadel. That is why it looks more like a small but impregnable town than a castle. When there was peacetime, the soldiers could, without leaving the territory of the fortress, work in their civilian profession. There were doctors, teachers, cooks and even ordinary peasants who were actively engaged in agriculture in the fortress. In this way, people provided not only for themselves, but also for their families.

For the royal family, of course, the royal palace was built, as well as a special Friedrichsburg pavilion, in which it was possible to receive high-ranking guests. Previously passed thereceremonial dinners and feasts, but now weddings are held in the pavilion. The fortress had its own military hospital, a small garrison church, food warehouses, wine cellars and a treasury. Thus, in the event of a blockade, the fortress could well hold out on its own resources for several years.

There are about 50 buildings in the citadel. The fortress wall deserves special attention. Some of its sections are built right between the rocks and have special arched fortifications. The wall is equipped with special observation towers. They are quite strict, but among them there is one rather beautiful, but bearing a rather creepy name "Hunger Tower". One of the legends of the citadel is associated with this tower.

Magic Well

Of course, such a fortified structure should have its own independent source of water. A special attraction is the well, which is considered one of the deepest operating wells in Europe. Its depth is about 152 meters. The well was even dedicated to a separate museum, the Well House, where you can see various historical models. At present, special pumps constantly fill the well with water, but earlier a pair of draft horses was specially allocated for this task. There is a legend that the water in this well has magical properties.

Behind the castle walls

The fortress is located in the famous Saxon Switzerland National Park. The park is famouswith its sandstone mountains and outlandish, even enchanting landscapes. It is in this park that there is one of the most visited places by tourists - Bastei. Bastei is a formation of sandy rocks on the right bank of the Elbe. Previously, its rocks were a defensive element of the fortress. There is a special platform on which you can climb and fully enjoy the beautiful views. Nearby there is also a miracle created by human hands. This is a unique Bastei Bridge. Initially, the bridge was built only of wood, but later it was strengthened with sandstone. The length of the bridge is about 76 meters, and its arcs cover a gorge, the depth of which is about 40 meters.

Near the bridge already in the 19th century began to build hotels and taverns. This place became popular thanks to famous artists and writers, because it was these rocks that inspired them to create creations. Near Bastai, right among the rocks, there is an "artist's path". Anyone can follow the path in search of their muse.

From the walls of the castle you can admire Mount Lilienstein. It is considered one of the largest "table" mountains of the national park. The mountain is highly visited by tourists due to its excellent views. From it you can perfectly see the Königstein fortress, Bastei.

Legends and secrets of the great citadel

There are many legends about the fortress with such a long history. It is said that underground treasures are hidden under the castle, and there is also a secret bunker. In the vicinity of the castle, according to popular belief, grass grows from whichyou can make a drink of love, and ghosts live in the casemates. But one of the most famous legends, of course, is the legend of the bottomless wine barrel. In fact, we are talking about the largest wine barrel in the world, containing about 250 thousand liters of wine. It can be seen in one of the castle cellars. This barrel was used to serve wine to Peter the Great, who came to visit the citadel.

Winter's Tale

Saxon Switzerland, Bastei and Königstein Fortress are transformed in winter and attract travelers even more, especially in good weather. The trails are equipped for tourists as safely as possible, since since 1800 huge rocks covered with white caps have begun to attract not only tourists, but also artists, and the sandy mountains of the reserve and Bastei still attract the attention of rock climbers. In total there are more than twelve thousand routes for climbers. However, climbers will have to get special equipment that will not damage the sandstone.

Königstein Fortress and Saxon Switzerland are considered to be one of the most beautiful and mysterious places in Germany. Marvelous views will not leave indifferent not only tourists, but also artists. Fans of active sports will be able to explore the mysterious canyons of the Elbe by rafting down the river. It is also possible to arrange a bike ride on specially equipped bike paths. This place can be called a real paradise for a traveler!