Stolpen Castle

The history of Stolpen Castle is connected with Slavic tradition. It was first mentioned in the chronicle of the Prague chronicler Kosmas in 1121. At the beginning of the 13th century, it became the property of the bishops of Meissen. As early as 1241, these bishops had their possessions in Lusatia (including Stolpen) confirmed by the Bohemian king Wenceslas. The so-called Upper Lusatian Border Charter, signed at Königstein, is today considered the first border treaty between Saxony and Bohemia.

Stolpen Mountain is a natural monument. The name Stolpen comes from an Old Slavic word and means “column” (from “stolp”, or “stolpno”). The regular basalt columns of Stolpen Mountain predetermined the names of other basalt formations around the world. “In ancient times, Stolpen Castle was sometimes deserted. Its gray walls could tell of battles, torture, suffering, poverty and the death of many prisoners…”, as one legend tells. However, you don’t have to be afraid, on the contrary. An interesting tour of the castle complex, which was given an unmistakable appearance by its owners, bishops and electors, awaits you: the tragic fate of Countess Cosel, the most famous mistress of the Saxon Elector Augustus the Strong, dark underground cellars, intertwined cellar corridors, a torture chamber and a hunger strike.

A unique experience for visitors is the view from the tower with seven turrets, from where you can see all the way to Bohemia. The castle was made famous by the aforementioned Countess Coselová, who spent 49 years in captivity in the castle tower, which is the longest stay in the castle’s history. In Johann’s (Coselov’s) tower there is a permanent exhibition about her adventurous and fateful life. Her grave is located in the castle chapel.