KRIEBSTEIN FORTRESS
This will be Johnny and Jennys last big hurrah so we decided to take them to 5 castles in one day. It was a whirlwind day but we wanted to wear them out before they left Germany. The first castle was Burg Kriebstein, a large fortress built on a rock in the Zschopau valley in the late 14th Century. As we drove in we found a small bakery and we ate fresh German goodies. When they are fresh they are fab. We got there before it opened and it was so quiet, but we were able to take photos before the crowds started coming to visit. The thing I most remember is the small balcony on the side of the wall. I could just imagine sitting out there and soaking in all the sun. It is still owned by the Arnim family but parts of the castle are open to the public. On many nights they have medieval concerts .
CORDITZ CASTLE
During the Middle ages Corditz castle was a watchtower for the German Emperors. In 1404, the Lords of Colditz sold the castle for 15,000 silver marks. It burned down about 1500 but was rebuilt a few years later. Once used as a workhouse for homeless people and a metal institution, it was used by Hitler in 1933 for political prisoners such as Communists, homosexuals, and Jews. During WWII It became a Prisoner of War Camp for Allied Officers who had attempted escapes from other prisons. It was referred to by the German Army as Oflag IV-C. Today is is used as a Youth Hostel but their comment was that they do let Youthful adults stay there. The History should be pretty interesting to read because there are two points of view. The tour tells all about the ingenious ways the prisoners devised to escape.
ROCHLITZ CASTLE
This is the third castle we saw to day. We love castles and we knew Johnny and Jenny would be going home, so we packed them in. Rochlitz castle holds the scars from the 30 Yr. War. Its history covers the high middle ages. Kings held court here. Within its walls are vaults, passage ways, dungeons, a large kitchen and a torture chamber. The Castle has two towers which they call Jupen. It rises above the river Mulde and for a small fee you can tour this castle.
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