Rochlitz: Castle, Churches and Porphyry

Rochlitz showcases its history in striking buildings and its red porphyry. Rochlitz Castle rises above the Zwickauer Mulde on a steep spur of Rochlitzer Berg; locally, the two towers are called Lichte and Finstre Jupe. Its origins are associated with a Burgward first documented in 995; the castle itself is explicitly mentioned in 1009. The present complex reflects almost a thousand years of architectural history. During your stay, you can choose different ways to explore, from the castle rooms and late Gothic church art to excursions around the porphyry.

Castle History and Church Art

Visitors can explore preserved late medieval rooms in the castle, including the kitchen, corridors, dungeons and torture chamber. The rooms range from the kitchen and corridors to the dungeons and torture chamber, revealing different aspects of the castle. Check the current access rules before your visit.

St. Kunigunden Church is a late Gothic hall church. Its choir is considered unique in Saxon Late Gothic architecture. Visits are possible by prior arrangement, so please coordinate your visit in advance. The 1513 carved altar is another highlight: its superstructure is monumental and finely crafted, and the two terracotta figures of Kunigunde and Emperor Henry II are among Saxony’s oldest clay figures.

St. Peter’s Church is considered Rochlitz’s oldest church and was first mentioned in 1186. Construction of the late Gothic choir began in 1470; the almost square nave was completed in 1499. These dates refer to different stages of construction and add a distinct ecclesiastical timeline to the picture of the town’s long architectural history.

Discover Porphyry on the Mountain

The 27-metre-high Friedrich August Tower stands on Rochlitzer Berg and is built entirely from locally sourced red porphyry tuff. On a clear day, it offers wide-ranging views. If you are planning a visit to the tower, check the latest access details in advance.

The Porphyry Educational Trail explores the subject of the rock in its own way: its stations cover the formation and quarrying history of Rochlitz porphyry tuff, as well as the history of stonemasonry. Geotourism programmes start at Porphyrhaus, which also serves as an exhibition and event venue and as a green classroom. The Porphyrhaus Geoportal offers a virtual reality experience of historical quarrying techniques. Audio and images explain former methods and working conditions on Rochlitzer Berg.

Riverside Routes and Hiking Trails

Rochlitz offers opportunities for hiking and cycling along the Zwickauer Mulde, through woodland and past historic buildings. The Muldental Hiking Trail follows the Zwickauer Mulde; its approximately 11-kilometre Rochlitz–Colditz section starts at Rochlitz Market Square. By contrast, the 2.7-kilometre Porphyry Educational Trail is a circular route with 15 stations. This lets you choose between a longer riverside hike and a shorter themed circular walk.

Discover more destinations: Mulda/Sachsen, Lichtenau, Frankenstein, Penig, Leubsdorf, Eppendorf, Waldheim, Frankenberg/Sachsen.

See the regional travel overview: Central Saxony.