Scharfenberg Castle

The origins of Scharfenberg Castle date back to around 1200, as archaeological excavations confirm. Among the oldest preserved architectural elements are remnants of the curtain wall and a round keep from around 1220. The first documented mention occurred in 1227. Originally owned by the Bishops of Meissen, the castle later passed to the von Miltitz family, remaining in their possession from 1403 to 1941. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was captured and partially destroyed by Swedish troops, after which it was rebuilt in Renaissance style. In the Great Northern War, the complex was again besieged by the Swedes in 1706, but without success. A fire in 1783 destroyed the palace wing facing the Elbe, and the palace wing on the mountain side is now only preserved as a ruin.