Palaces, castles and manor houses in the World Heritage Region

The area, which was first referred to as Anhalt in 1212, stretches from the Harz Mountains to Fläming. This region, steeped in tradition, is characterized by its rich history full of groundbreaking achievements in culture, politics, law, garden design, technology, and music.

The cities of Dessau, Zerbst, Köthen, and Bernburg were the residences of the princes of Anhalt. The state of Anhalt existed as a principality, later a duchy, and then a small German state until 1945.

The current territory of the Evangelical Church of Anhalt is almost identical to the former principality. Today, Anhalt is part of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt and firmly anchored in its name.

But it is not only in Anhalt that there are many palaces, castles, and manor houses. The entire World Heritage Region offers palaces, castles, and manor houses and invites you to explore.

Some of Anhalt's most impressive palaces unfold their special charm amid the region's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Wörlitz Palace, the heart of the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz, the classicist Georgium Palace in the Georgengarten, and the traditional Wittenberg Palace Church, where Reformation history was written—all combine extraordinary architecture with unique cultural landscapes.

These palaces invite visitors to discover places where world heritage, culture, and history merge in a particularly impressive way.

In addition to the well-known UNESCO sites, numerous other palaces are waiting to be discovered in the Anhalt-Dessau-Wittenberg World Heritage Region.

Bernburg Palace with its striking silhouette above the Saale River, the musically influenced Köthen Palace, the historic Zerbst Palace, or the former hunting and training center Annaburg Palace - all of them offer fascinating insights into the past and showcase the diversity of Anhalt's residential and cultural history. 

This section invites you to explore the impressive palace landscape of the region in all its diversity.

The castles of the Anhalt-Dessau-Wittenberg World Heritage Region tell tales of medieval power, protection, and eventful history.

Lindau Castle with its characteristic walls, the mysterious Walternienburg moated castle, which harks back to early Slavic history, and Klöden Castle, one of the oldest preserved structures in the region, all invite visitors on exciting journeys through time.

Whether as impressive ruins, restored ensembles, or silent witnesses to centuries past, the castles in the World Heritage Region bring history to life and offer fascinating moments of discovery for medieval fans of all ages.

The manor houses in Anhalt tell of rural building culture, aristocratic history, and regional tradition. In Aderstedt, Badetz, Radis, Bärenthoren, Aken, and Maxdorf, you will encounter architectural witnesses to history that were once magnificent manor houses, farmsteads, or cultural centers of their localities.

Today, they invite you to explore historic rooms, extensive parks, and quiet village ensembles. Whether lovingly restored, used for cultural purposes, or preserved as silent monuments, the manor houses of this region offer exciting insights into rural life in centuries past and bring history to life.

Discover the most beautiful castles, palaces, and manor houses in the World Heritage Region with your family at a glance!

The handy “Castle Guide” folding map presents numerous historical sites in the World Heritage Region and supplements them with child-friendly stories, exciting facts, and symbols for important services such as parking, restrooms, accommodations, and much more.

Ideal for families, explorers, and culture lovers.

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