Milkel Castle

The origins of Milkel date back a long way; a wooden defensive and residential tower may have stood here as early as the 9th century. Finds of oak piles from 1302 prove the existence of early stone buildings and are considered the first evidence of ancient German moated castles built on oak piles in Upper Lusatia. Around 1300, Friedrich von Metzradt established the manorial seat of Milkel, whose family resided here until 1595. The castle changed hands several times and was continuously expanded. The von Ponickau family shaped its current appearance by having the north tower built in 1719/20. From 1769 to 1908, Milkel was owned by the von Einsiedel family.