Residential Keep @museum.de

You’re standing at the foot of the keep, one of the oldest parts of the former castle.

If you’ve been wondering why it was dubbed “Klippenstein” – cliff rock – that’s obvious both here and in many other places in the Lower Ward. The castle was built on a conical outcrop of Lusatian granite, and the buildings of the main castle stand seven metres or 23 feet above the level of the Lower Ward.

The residential keep is right above you. But these days, it’s no longer recognisable as such. The remodelling carried out by Moritz of Saxony in the 16th century integrated what had been a free-standing tower into the building that was being extended. The equestrian staircase and the elaborate dormer windows in the Renaissance style were built at the same time.

Between 1772 and 1776, the palace was remodelled again and largely took on its present appearance. The tower is now completely enclosed by the solid structure. From the 18th century on, Klippenstein Palace served exclusively as an administrative centre. The former keep was used mainly as an archive and also provided accommodation for the officials.

Take a look at your screen and compare the three reconstruction drawings. They show the development from castle to palatial administration building.