- Commencement of Hohnstein Castle's Restoration – Kretschmer makes an Appeal
Following Decades of Planning and Readiness, the Necessary Refurbishment of Iconic Castle Hohnstein in Saxon Switzerland Commences
The commencement ceremony for this renovation venture took place on a midweek in the castle's garden. The city will be shelling out more than 4 million euros from its own funds and grants for the initial construction phase. The overall cost of this project is projected to reach 45 million euros, with additional financing from the federal government and the Free State.
Kretschmer: Success due to Collaboration
"This could not have happened without the cooperation of multiple entities," stated Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU). Castle Hohnstein has left an indelible mark on the experiences of generations, including his own son. "We aim to preserve these experiences for future generations." This has been achieved through a collaborative spirit that transcends political affiliations and geographical boundaries. "This spirit of collaboration is what makes our country powerful."
Castle Hohnstein is situated close to the renowned Bastei, atop a sandstone cliff 140 meters above the Polenztal valley, and has been recorded in historical documents since 1317. Besides the castle garden featuring an open-air stage, there's also a museum and an observation tower offering panoramic views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
A Rollercoaster of a Past
This 13th-century Bohemian border fortress later served as a ducal hunting lodge and administrative seat, courtroom, reformatory, and shelter/prisoner camp. At its reopening as a youth hostel in 1926, it was acclaimed as the largest and most splendid in Germany. During 1933/34, it served as a concentration camp for around 5,600 political prisoners. From 1935 onwards, it functioned as a Hitler Youth hostel, later transitioning into a prisoner-of-war camp and refugee accommodation, before being re-established as a youth hostel in 1949.
Six Years of Renovation Ahead
The castle, with a nearly century-old puppet theater background and popular among rock climbers, has undergone numerous reconstructions, expansions, and maintenance work. This time around, it will undergo a multi-year facelift while the facility remains operational, retaining its status as a nationally significant cultural monument, approximately until the year 2030.
The initial construction phase of the Castle Hohnstein refurbishment is funded primarily by the city and additional grants, involving a significant investment of over 4 million euros for construction work. With the commencement of construction, the historic castle is set to undergo a multi-year facelift, ensuring its continued status as a national cultural monument, despite the ongoing renovations.
