Freudenstein Castle

The origins of Freudenstein Castle date back to 1168, when Margrave Otto of Meissen had a castle built after the discovery of silver in Christiansdorf. The complex was first documented in 1312 as a “Hus.” The name “Freudenstein” was given to the castle only in 1525. Under Duke Henry the Pious, who resided in Freiberg from 1505, his sons Moritz and August, later Electors of Saxony, were born here. A new construction in the Renaissance style began in 1566 under the direction of Rochus zu Lynar and master builder Hans Irmisch, and was completed in 1577. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle served as part of the city's defense and a military base. In the Seven Years' War, the interior suffered severe damage in 1762.