Markkleeberg Castle and Gatehouse

The first written record of the village 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 castle. Markkleeberg was owned by the "von Cleberg" family until 1350, after which it changed hands many times.
F. W. Heinrich von Funcke was the owner during the Battle of the Nations. 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 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 became heavily involved not only in the restoration of the castle, but also in the revitalization of the entire historical ensemble, one of the most outstanding monuments in the district of Leipziger Land.

The city, church, monument protection authorities, owners and association have invested heavily over the past few years to restore this ensemble, which is of cultural, historical and touristic interest, and to put it to new uses. Today, the Förderverein Historisches Torhaus zu Markkleeberg 1813 e.V. runs a museum in the gatehouse on the history of the castle complex, rural life & customs and the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. The historic rooms are also used and rented out for events. In the castle, the music salon delights a culturally interested audience. The upper floor and the side wing are used as a private residence, including by the owner family themselves. The castle park delights many hundreds of visitors with its rhododendron splendor, especially in May when it blooms colorfully.