Schwerinsburg, Hilltop castle in Windhoek, Namibia.
Schwerinsburg is a hilltop castle in the Luxushügel district featuring a three-story keep and curved defensive walls built from field stones. The structure contains a 104-meter-deep water well in its courtyard that was commissioned to ensure the residence's water supply.
The structure was built in 1890 as a signal tower by Curt von François and was transformed into a castle by Wilhelm Sander between 1904 and 1913. This reconstruction converted a military outpost into a representative residential compound.
The northeastern facade resembles a chapel with Gothic-style double windows, reflecting European architectural styles in colonial Namibia. These details show how settlers wanted to recreate their homeland through architectural elements.
The building sits on a hillside with views over the surroundings, so reaching it requires some physical effort. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the grounds properly.
The building now serves as the residence of the Italian ambassador, reflecting its transformation from a military installation into a place of international significance. This use bridges the colonial past with modern diplomatic functions.
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