Anyone who enters the castle courtyard for the first time is guaranteed a magnificent impression of the space. Hartenfels Castle is considered the only surviving castle from the German early Renaissance.
Hartenfels, today the seat of the North Saxony District Office, was considered one of the most modern residential castles in Saxony in the 16th century. It was the scene of various historically significant events over the centuries. The names Martin Luther, Frederick the Wise and John Frederick the Magnanimous are closely linked to its history. In addition, numerous anecdotes recall important personalities such as Tsar Peter I, Lucas Cranach and Napoleon. In Wing D of the castle, the Dresden State Art Collections, in cooperation with the North Saxony district and the large district town of Torgau, are presenting the exhibition "Torgau. Residence of the Renaissance and Reformation". In Wing B, in the exhibition "STANDFEST. BIBLE FEST. DRINKING FEST." Elector John Frederick the Magnanimous and his wife Sibylle lead the tour through the history of the castle - elaborately digitally animated.
Furthermore, the Great Wendelstein, the castle church, the lapidarium in the lower courtyard room and the exhibition "Erinnerungsort Torgau" can be visited.
Two brown bears live in the castle's bear pit, which not only delight the little visitors to the castle.
Schlosskirche
The Castle Church is considered to be the first Protestant church building in the world and was inaugurated by Martin Luther personally with a sermon on October 5, 1544. Here, the reformer's ideas of a Protestant church service were implemented in architecture for the first time.
Lapidarium
In the Lower Court Room, the oldest part of the castle, with its unique medieval structure, and in the impressive vault under the castle church, visitors can experience an interesting excursion into the architectural history of the castle. The Lapidarium (Latin for stone collection) has "stone witnesses" tell the story of the castle.
Hausmannsturm
The medieval tower of Hartenfels Castle, which is the highest at 53 metres, connects the late Gothic Albrechtsbau with the magnificent Johann Friedrich building of the early Renaissance.