Deserted Castle Osterland

The history of the Desert Castle with regard to its origins, its purpose and its name has not yet been fully explained.
Two major archaeological excavations in the 20th century provided more detailed information about the scope and size of the complex and its use. The complex was completely excavated and the entire floor plan was determined. It was clearly established that the unfortified castle-like complex was never used for defensive purposes.

The building is described as a "Romanesque hunting palace". The four-wing structure of the palace is the first in Germany for that time in the early 13th century and indicates influences from the Mediterranean region. The builder was probably Margrave Dietrich of Meissen and the Ostmark, who had the hunting palace built around 1210.
The finds show that the hunting lodge was only used in the 13th century and was not destroyed by fire. Rather, it gradually fell into disrepair because it was no longer in use from the 14th century onwards. The current building remains consist mainly of two 9,60 m high wall stumps and other wall remains.