Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz in Germany

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
UNESCO Commission of Germany
Gartenreich Dessau-Wörlitz (Deutsche UNESCO-Kommission)(german only)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2000
Size of heritage: 14,500 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 12,421°
Latitude: 51,843°

Summary

The Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz is an exceptional example of landscape design and planning of the Age of the Enlightenment, the 18th century. Its diverse components - outstanding buildings, landscaped parks and gardens in the English style, and subtly modified expanses of agricultural land - serve aesthetic, educational, and economic purposes in an exemplary manner.

Location on Map

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The Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany

The Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz, located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt in Germany, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional landscape design and cultural significance. Spanning over 142 square kilometers, this unique site is a harmonious blend of natural beauty and human creativity.

History

The Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz was created in the late 18th century by Prince Leopold III Friedrich Franz of Anhalt-Dessau, also known as the "Father of Landscape Architecture." Inspired by his travels to England and France, Prince Leopold aimed to transform the barren landscape into a picturesque garden landscape.

With the help of renowned architects and landscape designers, such as Friedrich Wilhelm von Erdmannsdorff and Johann Friedrich Eyserbeck, Prince Leopold embarked on an ambitious project to create a unique cultural landscape. The design incorporated elements of the English garden style, including meandering paths, artificial lakes, and carefully placed architectural structures.

Over the years, the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz evolved and expanded, with new gardens, parks, and buildings being added. The site became a hub of intellectual and cultural exchange, attracting artists, philosophers, and scientists from across Europe.

Current State

Today, the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz continues to captivate visitors with its timeless beauty and historical significance. The site is meticulously maintained, allowing visitors to experience the original vision of Prince Leopold.

One of the highlights of the Garden Kingdom is the Wörlitz Park, the first English-style landscape garden on the European mainland. The park features a network of winding paths, picturesque lakes, and charming bridges. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bicycle, or even by boat, immersing themselves in the tranquility of nature.

Another notable feature of the Garden Kingdom is the Oranienbaum Palace and Park. This Baroque-style palace, surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens, showcases the grandeur and elegance of the era. The park is adorned with sculptures, fountains, and terraces, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Furthermore, the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz is home to several other architectural gems, including the Gothic House, the Chinese Tea House, and the Luisium Castle. Each structure is a testament to the artistic and architectural prowess of the time.

Address
Distance: 3,8 mi
Kliekener Hauptstr. 10
06869 Coswig
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 6:00 - 23:00
Weekend: 7:00 - 22:00

Videos from the area

Dessau-Wörlitz in 60 secs | World Heritage

Published: August 22, 2012
Length: 00:44 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: DW (English)

This Neoclassical landscape park has been a World Heritage Site since 2000, encompassing seven parks and six palaces. Duke Franz of Anhalt-Dessau wanted to reconstruct at home what had most...

Hochzeitsfotograf Berthold Ender Oranienbaum-Wörlitz

Published: September 24, 2012
Length: 58:50 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: fotoender

Der Hochzeitsfotograf im Dessau-Wörlitzer-Gartenreich Fotografenmeister Berthold Ender Oranienbaum-Wörlitz professionelle Hochzeitsfotografie, Echtfotobücher, Bilder auf CD http://www.fotoender....

Schlittenhunderennen in Wörlitz

Published: March 08, 2015
Length: 38:30 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Alexander Baumbach

Petrus machte den Sportlern in Wörlitz am Sonntag einen Strich durch die Rechnung - aber nicht durch Regen, Sturm oder Schnee. Über letzteren hätten sich die rund 60 Musher beim letzten...

Schloss und Park Wörlitz - Teil 2

Published: August 15, 2014
Length: 53:38 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Radreiseführer Gartenreich

Der Wörlitzer Park, auch Wörlitzer Garten oder Wörlitzer Anlagen, in Wörlitz ist ein bedeutender Teil des heute als UNESCO-Welterbe gelisteten „Dessau-Wörlitzer Gartenreiches", das in...