Schieritz Castle

The origins of settlement in Schieritz date back a long way, with the place name itself referring to Old Slavic roots. Although a medieval motte-and-bailey castle existed nearby, its direct connection to the later castle is not certain. The history of the site becomes traceable from the 13th century, when a Dominus Conradus de Slinicz resided here. The Schieritz manor changed hands among various noble families, including the von Gorenzk, von Schleinitz, Rosenhain, von Miltitz, von Rechenberg, von Sahlhausen, and von Arras. A formative period began in 1549 with the acquisition by George von Schleinitz, whose successor Hannß von Schleinitz had the visible Renaissance castle built between 1556 and 1601. The von Schleinitz family shaped the estate until 1841. Subsequent owners included Christian F. Kunert, Prince Georg of Saxony, and Fedor von Kiel. From 1891, the castle belonged to Dr. phil. Emil Franz Günther, who cultivated lily of the valley here.