Zerbst Castle: A Baroque Echo

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Explore the partially-restored Baroque masterpiece in Zerbst, the childhood home of Catherine the Great, and immerse yourself in its rich history.

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Zerbst Castle

Once a grand Baroque residence of the Princes of Anhalt-Zerbst, Zerbst Castle was significantly damaged during WWII. Today, visitors can explore the restored east wing, showcasing exhibitions and events that delve into the castle's rich history and its most famous resident, Catherine the Great.

A brief summary to Zerbst Castle

Katharinenweg, Zerbst, 39261, DE
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Wednesday 10 am-12 pm
Thursday 10 am-12 pm
Friday 10 am-12 pm
Saturday 10 am-12 pm

Local tips

Visit during the week to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience of the castle.
Check the schedule for guided tours and special events to enhance your visit.
Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the castle involves some walking.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Zerbst/Anhalt train station, head north on Bahnhofstraße toward Magdeburger Straße. Turn left onto Magdeburger Straße, then turn right onto Schloßfreiheit. Continue onto Katharinenweg. The castle will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs involved.
Public Transport

The closest bus stop to Zerbst Castle is 'Zerbst, Katharinenkloster'. From the Zerbst/Anhalt train station, take bus line 450 towards Dessau Hauptbahnhof. Get off at 'Zerbst, Katharinenkloster'. From there, walk along Katharinenstraße, turn right onto Katharinenweg. The castle will be on your left. The bus ride is approximately 5 minutes. A single ticket within Zerbst (Tarifzone 500) costs approximately €2.00.
Driving

From the town center, follow signs for 'Schloss Zerbst'. The castle is located on Katharinenweg. There is a free car park located approximately 300 meters from the castle gardens. For the Schloßfreiheit car park: At the Roßlauer Straße/Lusoer Straße junction, turn into Lusoer Straße towards the town centre. Drive straight ahead across Breite until you reach Schloßfreiheit. The car park there is subject to charges from Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00.

Discover more about Zerbst Castle

Zerbst Castle, located in Zerbst, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, was once one of the most important Baroque buildings in central Germany. Built between 1681 and 1753, it served as the residence of the Princes of Anhalt-Zerbst until the line died out in 1793. The castle later functioned as a museum and archive. The castle's design was conceived by Dutch architect Cornelis Ryckwaert, featuring a three-wing complex with a central cour d'honneur, drawing inspiration from Dutch models. Prince Carl Wilhelm initiated the ambitious project, which spanned four generations. The main building was completed in 1689, with interior decoration by Giovanni Simonetti. Allied bombs severely damaged the castle on April 16, 1945, leading to its subsequent demolition. Today, only the east wing remains. Since 2005, the Förderverein Schloss Zerbst e.V. (Friends' Association) has been diligently working to secure and restore this remaining wing. Visitors can explore recreated rooms and cabinets that evoke the splendor of the past. The castle hosts exhibitions and events, providing insights into its history. A key highlight is the connection to Catherine the Great, who grew up here as Princess Sophie Auguste Friederike.