Sachsenburg Castle

The first documentary mention of the Lords of Sachsenburg dates back to 1197, although the existence of a castle at that time is uncertain. However, archaeological finds confirm a castle complex around 1210/30, likely built by the Lords of Mildenstein. After the collapse of their rule in 1232, the castle passed to Margrave Heinrich the Illustrious. In the 13th century, the region benefited from rich silver, lead, and copper ore discoveries, leading to the founding of the mining town Bleiberg. During this period, Sachsenburg served to protect mining activities. After the end of this mining era in 1364, the Wettins sold the castle, which came into the possession of the Lords of Schönberg in 1368. Caspar von Schönberg had the castle rebuilt around 1480 by Hans Reynhart, with construction completed in 1488 as a Gothic residential palace. From 1610, the castle served as the electoral Saxon administrative seat. During the Thirty Years' War, it suffered looting and destruction of its outer bailey.