29 May 2011- Schloss Pillnitz & Schloss Moritzburg

The first Schloss we came to was Schloss Pillnetz. It is in the process of being renovated but you can still get the feeling of entering an old southern French plantation. It is very charming and all around the backside are hills and vineyards, but in the front, right up to the entry are steps leading to the Elbe River. In the rear are fruit trees, vineyards and a wonderful walking trail that goes for miles. The originator of this enchanting place was none other than August the Strong. It seems he had lots of different kinds of houses to suit his mood. He and his wife loved the Indian influence and you can see their extensive collection of porcelain from the Far East.

















































The second Schloss we visited was Moritzburg. They were working on the right side of the castle so most of my pictures are taken of the left. As you come through the open iron gates, there was a man dressed in a tuxedo playing a hand cranked music box. Very charming. Then we cross the bridge to the front entrance. The castle is surrounded by 4 ponds that interconnect. In the 14th century the pond was filled with carp, a delicacy of the court.

This castle was given to Mistress Cozel who was the last in a long string of mistresses of August the Strong. She came into disfavor with the King and was banished to the fortress of Stolpen and held there for 49 years until her death. The castle itself was built as a hunting lodge, as you can see from the stag heads mounted on the walls at the entrance. The forest surrounding the castle was filled with red Stag. Within the castle walls are trophy heads of deer, elk and reindeer. The most famous is said to be a 66 pointer. How can that be possible? Most of them are 400 years old. It is beautifully laid out, a real mans abode. Me, I would prefer a more gentile place to live in.

We had time left so we drove to another wonderful place, the desire of Elder Walters. I saw my two castles, now it was time he saw his fortress. On to another blog.