Wiprechtsburg Groitzsch

The Wiprechtsburg site is located on the northwestern edge of the town of Groitzsch and was one of the largest castle complexes in Saxony around 1100 under Count Wiprecht of 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 complex 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 revealed valuable insights into the history of the castle.

With the completion of the excavations, the design of the entire castle area began. An open-air stage was built in the ruins, a vineyard with over 100 vines, flower beds and hiking trails were laid out along the castle hill and on the banks of the Schwennigke. A field stone lapidarium now has 48 exhibits from the surrounding area. In the summer months, numerous events take place at the Wiprechtsburg, the appeal of which extends beyond the country's borders, e.g. solstice celebrations and open-air concerts, to name just a few. Find out more about the Castle Land Sounds.

Discover the region by bike: A detour to the ruins is recommended at the Neuseenland cycle route because here you pass Groitzsch.