Wiprechtsburg Groitzsch

The grounds of Wiprechtsburg Castle are located on the north-western edge of the town of Groitzsch and was one of the largest castle complexes in Saxony around 1100 under Count Wiprecht von Groitzsch. A special feature is the oldest stone building in Saxony, the round chapel, which Wiprecht had built for his wife (daughter of the Bohemian Duke Vratislaw II) based on the Bohemian model.

From Groitzsch, Wiprecht II set out on many of his battles for sovereign rights and lands and continued to expand his power. In 1306, the once mighty castle was destroyed. Only parts of the Romanesque round chapel and the remains of a residential tower built around 1080 have survived.
Extensive excavations by archaeologists from 1954 to 1968 uncovered the remains of the residential tower and the round chapel and brought valuable insights into the castle's history to light.

On completion of the excavations, the entire castle grounds were landscaped and an open-air stage was built in the ruins, a vineyard with over 100 vines, flowerbeds and hiking trails were laid out along the castle hill and on the banks of the Schwennigke. A field stone lapidarium now displays 48 exhibits from the surrounding area. In the summer months, numerous events take place at Wiprechtsburg Castle, whose appeal extends beyond the borders of the region, e.g. solstice celebrations and open-air concerts, to name but a few. Find out more about the BurgenLandKlänge here.

Discover the region by bike: A detour to the ruins is possible on the Neuseenland-Radroute, because here you pass Groitzsch.