Colditz Castle

The castle is located on porphyry rocks at the edge of the forest of Colditz, high above the city. It was first mentioned in 1046 in a document of Emperor Henry III, ensuing its possession to the Wettins. It had its heyday between 1602 and 1622 under Sophie of Brandenburg, she equipped the castle magnificently and surrounded it by gardens. The use of the castle changed frequently in the following time; it was used as an almshouse, labour institution, hospital and as special camp Oflag IV C for prominent higher officers of allied prisoners of the Second World War.