Hi Hive Friends,

today I want to tell you something about another castle in Cottbus. It is not far from Muskau Castle, only about 38 minutes by car. Branitz Castle is a baroque castle. Castles are one of the sights I like to visit the most. Not only because they are older buildings, but also because they almost always exude an incredible elegance and tell a lot about their own history with their construction and appearance. Branitz Castle is a part of Branitz Park, it belongs to the architectural monuments of the city of Cottbus. The name of the castle comes from the fact that the closest place to the castle is Branitz.

I think the castle looks like a real gem - what do you say?

The feature of the Pleasuregrounds gardens

The castle is enclosed by the Pleasuregrounds gardens. What is it? Pleasureground is a section of the garden near the building in English-style landscape parks. Did you recognize the English style? In contrast to the outside garden, where more nature-like elements pass by, the inside section close to the building is characterized by the fact that the artistic component is more prominent. Here the art is more emphasized. I find this division very interesting. In fact, I could imagine such a division for my own garden later, what do you say?

In fact, Pleasuregrounds means a terrain abutting the house, decorated and fenced. However, it has much more to offer than "just" a garden, because it is rather a link between the park and the actual gardens.

Branitz Castle and its park, perhaps soon UNESCO World Heritage ?

Branitz Castle is actually located in the heart of the park landscape. It was once the manor house of his ancestors. Branitz Castle was built in 1770 and 1771 for August Heinrich Count von Pückler. Also the interiors should be very beautiful (I have ledier only fotos from outside, but if you are there once go also inside, it is worthwhile in any case!) Prince Pückler had this extensively rebuilt from 1846. They are very elaborately designed and convey the life of Prince Pückler. Does the name Pückler mean anything to you? Perhaps the German among you? An ice cream is also named after him ;).

Currently, there are also efforts to include Branitzer Park and thus also the castle in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let's hope it works out!

The stables and the cavalier's house in the courtyard

The stables (north of the castle in the courtyard) and the cavalier's house are also located directly at the castle. The stables were built in the second half of the 18th century while the castle was still being built. It served as the stables for the counts. It too was rebuilt in the mid-19th century. Today you can visit various special exhibitions in the stables as well as the family exhibition "In Search of the Petrified Prince".

The Kavaliershaus comes from a time before the castle was built. It was probably built in the first quarter of the 18th century, but we don't know for sure. The Kavaliershaus was also rebuilt. Today you can have lunch here in a restaurant that is privately run.

The manor and the smithy, located a little off the beaten track

The manor and the smithy are a bit away from the castle, but also part of the complex. The manor is north of the castle. It was created during the time of the castle reconstruction. Here you will find an inspector's house, two stables and residential buildings and a barn. The stables were even then used as sheepfolds. Not princely at all, what do you say? Farm animals were kept in a horse stable, which also belonged to the estate. Pückler's favorite horses, on the other hand, were housed in the rather luxuriously furnished stables. You have to set priorities ;)! Today the manor is used as a visitor center and for exhibitions.

The smithy is an important part of the whole complex, as it marks the historic main entrance to the park. Horseshoes, tools and wagon tires used to be made here. There is still a blacksmith shop here today. On the upper floor of the smithy you can look into the archive of the Fürst Pückler Museum.

Even if Branitz Castle is really a bit smaller (I would actually say, you can also see it as a larger residential building, just from the size. From the outside it can also look like a hotel), it is very beautiful there. The garden takes up more space on the grounds, the various buildings that make up the castle are not very far away, but some distance from the main building. I thought it was nice, it loosened things up a bit;).

The blue door in particular immediately caught my eye, it brings some color with the garden, what do you think?

I think I'll make a walkway covered with leaves, which is partly covered with leaves on the left and right, too;) There's something princely about it!

And this is how you can easily reach the castle:
Branitz is about 130 kilometers southeast of Berlin. The best way to travel by train is with the RE2. This train goes to Cottbus. From there the bus continues to Branitz.
If you are traveling by car, Branitz is best reached via the A13 and A15.

How did you like my post about the castle? Are you generally interested in posts about palaces or castles and do you visit such old, majestic buildings with an interesting history yourself?

I'm always fascinated and can't wait to go through the castle gate (which is usually there ;)). I'm also very interested in ruins. The garden is usually secondary for me. But it was different with this castle, I was very impressed by the English style, as well as the structure of the garden.

Feel free to give me your feedback in the comments. If you've been there before, how did you like the castle? I definitely recommend a visit, especially if you're in the area anyway. See you next time and have a great week !