Coswig Castle

A castle, Cossewiz, is already mentioned at the current location in 1187. Whether a Slavic settlement existed before this time is not documented. Coswig was referred to as an oppidum in 1215 and was considered the most important city of the Anhalt Ascanians north of the Elbe at that time.

From 1603 to 1793, Coswig was part of the Principality of Anhalt-Zerbst. The castle located in the city was built between 1667 and 1677 and served as a widow's residence until the 19th century. While the architectural decoration of the northern main wing drew on older Renaissance forms, the overall complex incorporated contemporary influences of French Baroque architecture. From 1874, the castle was partially converted into a prison, and for this purpose, the south wing was extended by two floors.

During the Nazi era, the prison housed in the castle was severely overcrowded with 900 (instead of the intended 300) people, many of whom were there for political reasons. In addition, there were 850 inmates from the Griebo subcamp, about 300 of whom died due to the inhumane living conditions.

The castle was sold in 2006, and the new owner plans to establish a cultural center here. The upper floors of the south wing, added in the 19th century, were removed to restore the castle's original condition.