Dessau Castle

The palace's origins date back to 1341 when it was constructed from the stones of Waldeser Castle, which had been destroyed by a Mulde flood. Following fires in 1405 and 1467, a new building was erected under the Dessau princely brothers Johann IV, Georg III, and Joachim. The start date for the construction of the Johannbau could be as early as 1529. The stair tower was built between 1531 and 1533. The Johannbau was named after Johann IV, the leading patron. Stylistically, the building belongs to the early Renaissance, identifiable by features such as spheres and lily tracery friezes. Between 1571 and 1580, the Johannbau was expanded for the first time. In the 18th century, from 1748 to 1753, a redesign and expansion took place based on designs by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff. The Johannbau survived these alterations. Originally, it housed long halls, which were later divided into smaller rooms. The east wing contained the princely family's chambers, while the south wing featured a ballroom above the court kitchen. In 1777, a wooden theater was installed. Further modifications, including an extension of the west wing between 1812 and 1813 and the construction of another stair tower in Neo-Renaissance style in 1874, shaped the palace.