Wachau Castle is a Baroque castle in Saxony, more precisely in the Wachau district of the same name in the municipality of Markkleeberg. It is one of the region's culturally and historically significant buildings and has a varied history.
### Brief description of Wachau Castle:
- **Location**: Wachau district, Markkleeberg, Saxony
- **Architectural style**: Baroque, with later neoclassical elements
- **Construction**: The origins date back to the Middle Ages; the current Baroque castle was largely built in the 18th century
- **Architecture**:
- The castle is a rectangular, three-story building with a hipped roof.
- Its symmetrical façade design and central projection are characteristic.
- The building is surrounded by a well-kept garden in the style of a landscape park.
### Historical use:
- Originally used as a manor.
- Redesigned in the Baroque style in the 18th century by the noble von Ponickau family.
- Later owned by various families, including the von Carlowitz family.
- After 1945, the castle was expropriated as part of the land reform and served as the headquarters of an agricultural cooperative, as a school, and for residential purposes.
- After reunification, it stood empty and fell into disrepair for some time before being renovated in the 2000s.
### Current use:
- The castle was privately renovated and is now partially open to the public.
- It serves as a venue for weddings, concerts, readings, and cultural events.
- The castle grounds and gardens are well-maintained and used for walks.