Jößnitz Castle

In Jößnitz, a manor of Theodoricus de Jezcenicz was mentioned in 1282. This manor was expanded into a castle around 1300.

Remains of walls at the site of the so-called "Jägerhaus" (Hunter's House) indicate that an old defensive structure was built there at the time of settlement. For the German knights and their followers, the new settlements were dangerous, and rebellions and raids had to be expected. This created the need for the lords to create places where they could bring their family and their belongings to safety. Near this protected complex, the lords and their servants built the farmsteads that were necessary for cultivating the land. These were referred to as outworks. This is probably how the knight's estate in Jößnitz also came into being. In 1540, ownership passed to the von Watzdorf family. The castle was presumably damaged by fire during the Thirty Years' War, as the year 1643 – the end of its reconstruction – is found on its facade.

The former castle complex consisted of two buildings. Of the original complex, only the secondary castle with its roof turret has been preserved. The main building was equipped with turrets and bay windows and protected on one side by moats and bulwarks, and had a drawbridge. It was demolished around 1860. Although the then owner wanted to have a new one built, his sudden death prevented this plan from being carried out. The well-preserved roof turret of the main castle was then moved to the secondary castle. Since then, today's castle has a "tower".

In 1945, the owners were expropriated by the communists. From 1947 to 1973, the castle served as a school building. Subsequently, it remained unused due to dilapidation, as funds for renovation were lacking. Only after the Wende (reunification) did the opportunity arise to save the landmark of Jößnitz. The founding of the "Förderverein Schloß Jößnitz" (Friends of Jößnitz Castle Association) enabled the renovation of the historically valuable building. The listed building was almost completely dismantled and rebuilt in keeping with the old style. Today, it houses a hotel and a restaurant.

Since 2006, a medieval spectacle has taken place annually around the castle. Here, craftsmanship, knightly competitions, and the market life of the Middle Ages are brought to life.