Schloss Grochwitz, Baroque château in Grochwitz, Germany.
Schloss Grochwitz is a former manor house northeast of the old village green of Grochwitz, now part of Herzberg (Elster). The building was constructed in Baroque style in 1732 under Heinrich von Brühl, but after several fires the present fabric dates largely from the 19th century. A small tower with a clock crowns the roof, renewed in 1982, and the adjacent Schlosspark contains the town of Herzberg's animal park.
Around 1736, Heinrich von Brühl had the manor rebuilt as a palace to a design by Samuel Locke, with a park laid out beside it. On 20 October 1757 Frederick the Great occupied the estate for four days and had it plundered; a damage report of 26 October 1757 put the loss at 34,503 talers. Prussian soldiers set the palace on fire on 7 September 1758, and another fire broke out in 1783.
The name Grochwitz comes from the old Sorbian word for a settlement on a hill, and the village was first recorded in the 14th century. Today the castle is run by a private investor as a hotel garni and event venue, while the adjacent Schlosspark houses Herzberg's Tierpark, which hosts an annual animal park festival.
The castle now functions as a hotel and event venue, so visitors should know that private events may limit public access to certain areas. It is wise to check opening hours and availability for visits in advance.
The 1992 fire, caused by arson, destroyed the roof truss; extinguishing water ruined parts of the interior fittings. The roof and small tower were rebuilt in 1994/95, and major renovation began after the 2004 sale. The clock and roof lantern had already been renewed in 1982.
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