Colditz Castle

Colditz, Germany, Germany

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Colditz Castle in Colditz, Saxony, Germany, originated in the 11th century as a strategic fortress built around 1083 by Wiprecht of Groitzsch on a cliff above the Mulde River, becoming a residence for the Lords of Colditz until sold to the Wettin family in 1404.

Rebuilt in Renaissance style after devastating fires in 1430 by Hussites and 1504 by a baker's mishap, it served as a Saxon hunting lodge, widow's seat for Electress Sophie from 1602–1622, and administrative center under Elector Augustus, featuring white gables, courtyards, and expansions by architects like Hans Irmisch.

Famously repurposed in WWII as Oflag IV-C Sonderlager, a high-security POW camp for Allied escape artists from 1940–1945 where 130 attempts yielded 32 successes via disguises, tunnels, and gliders, it now hosts a museum on its history and escapes.