Torgau
Renaissance glamour
Renaissance gem
It is the best-preserved palace of the early German Renaissance and the centrepiece of Torgau: the magnificent Hartenfels Castle. Even in the days of the Prince Electors, it was one of the most modern residential palaces in Saxony and the venue for magnificent festivities and important state assemblies. The castle courtyard has survived the ages virtually unchanged. The Renaissance stair tower ‘Großer Wendelstein’, which can be seen from here, is an architectural masterpiece. In addition to exhibitions and glamour, the castle is also home to two furry roommates. You read that right: Two brown bears greet visitors in the castle moat, where they are cared for in a species-appropriate manner.
Centre of the Reformation
The castle chapel at Hartenfels is the first Protestant church building in the world. Martin Luther himself consecrated it in 1544. The chapel is a witness to the time when Torgau became the ‘nurse of the Reformation’. Luther stayed in the town over 60 times. His wife Katharina von Bora found her final resting place here. Her grave is in St Mary's Church, and there is a memorial in the house where she died. The priest's house of Georg Spalatin, built in 1493/94, has been extensively renovated and is one of the best-preserved priest's houses in Saxony. He was ‘the man behind Luther’, who kept the important connection to the Elector alive. In the ‘Sound & Faith’ exhibition, you can find out more about his life's work and also about the Protestant ‘original cantor’ Johann Walter.
Hartenfels Castle in Torgau ©Wolfgang Sens
A turbulent history
The fact that Torgau was turned into a fortress under Napoleon is still recognisable in the townscape today. In the 20th century, the town on the Elbe River became a place of detention. A Reich court martial, a Soviet special camp and the only closed youth detention centre in East Germany were located here. Torgau's name went around the world when Soviet and US soldiers shook hands on the destroyed Elbe bridge in April 1945, signalling the imminent end of the Second World War.
The market square in Torgau ©Philipp Herfort
Cycling enthusiasts know that Torgau is located on the Elbe cycle path and is therefore also interesting for active tourists. As a certified family-friendly town, Torgau has plenty to offer, such as the play and sports park or the petting zoo. Adventurous culture vultures will appreciate the concerts and small art events. They often take place in unusual venues: In Hartenfels Castle or the historic town hall, in Torgau's churches or in the Kulturbastion.
Header: City skyline of Torgau with Elbe bridge, Hartenfels Castle and town church ©Philipp Herfort
