Markkleeberg Castle and Gatehouse

The first written evidence of the town of Markkleeberg dates back to 1190, when a Bere de Clebergk attested to the sale of the village of Altranstädt. This ministerial probably lived in the small moated castle, which was later built over by a manor and a palace. Markkleeberg was owned by the "von Cleberg" family until 1350, after which it changed hands many times.
At the time of the Battle of the Nations, FW Heinrich von Funcke was the owner. He had to witness the complete destruction of the estate's stables and the village school by fire caused by the fighting during the Battle of the Nations. 
 
The last owner, Dr. Paul Hoppe, was expelled as a result of the land reform in 1947. After 1990, the Gerlach family acquired it and was highly committed not only to the renovation of the castle, but also to the revitalization of the entire historical ensemble, one of the most outstanding monuments in the Leipziger Land district.

The town, church, monument protection authorities, owners and association have invested heavily in recent years to restore this ensemble of cultural and tourist interest and to find new uses for it. Today, the Historical Gatehouse of Markkleeberg 1813 eV association runs a museum in the gatehouse on the history of the castle complex, rural life and customs, and the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. The historic rooms are also used for events and rented out. The music salon in the castle delights a culture-loving public. The upper floor and the side wing are used as private residential complexes, also by the owner family themselves. The castle park delights many hundreds of visitors with its splendor of rhododendrons, especially in May when they bloom in bright colors.