About the museum
Although the existence of Rochlitz Castle, situated on a rocky cliff above the Zwickauer Mulde river, had been documented since 1009, the first recorded building activities are from the first half of the 12th century.
In the 11th century Rochlitz Castle was a residence for German kings and emperors on a number of occasions. In 1143, King Konrad III gave Rochlitz to Margrave Konrad of Meissen as a gift.
In the late 14th century a remarkable residence was created for the Saxon royal house during a second major construction phase under the direction of Margrave William I. The two West Towers as well as the Prince’s House (Fürstenhaus) and Transept (Querhaus) are evidence of the work carried out that time.
At the end of the 15th century, Rochlitz Castle finally received its palace-like character, which has remained virtually unchanged since that time. Until the 17th century the castle was the residence of the widows of several electors. In the following period it only served as an administrative office and occasional residence and was neglected. In 1892 the castle became a museum, and for most of the 20th century was also used for administrative purposes. Since 1995 the castle has only been used for cultural purposes, including a castle museum.
Rochlitz Castle is one of 19 cultural monuments which have been entrusted by the Free State of Saxony to the "State Palaces, Castles and Gardens Sachsen non-profit GmbH" for their care, preservation, management and public promotion.