Bützow Castle

The origins of Bützow Castle date back to the 12th century, when a Slavic fortress named 'castrum Butissowe' was mentioned around 1171. Around 1180, Bützow became an episcopal residence under Bishop Berno and remained so until the Reformation. In the 13th century, the castle was destroyed but subsequently rebuilt. In the early 14th century, it was pledged to the von Bülow family before Bishop Albrecht von Sternberg managed to reclaim it in 1357. After the Reformation, the Bützow Abbey fell to Duke Ulrich of Mecklenburg in 1540, who transformed the castle into a Renaissance palace in 1556. It later served as a widow's residence for Duchess Sophie-Charlotte from 1713 to 1749. In 1760, Duke Friedrich founded the Friedrichs University Bützow, which was partly housed in the castle, but was merged with the University of Rostock as early as 1789. From 1812 to 1879, the Criminal College (High Court) was located in the castle. Restoration and reconstruction took place in 1910/1911 under master builder Adolf Prahst, during which parts of the castle were demolished. After World War II, the building was used as a cultural center, library, and museum. After the reunification, it stood empty and was sold to private investors in 1993 and again in 2001, who began renovations in 2010.