Today, the Managing Director of Sachsenlotto, Frank Schwarz, and Dr. Christian Striefler, Managing Director of Schlösserland Sachsen, unveiled the new brass plaque with the lettering "Colditz Castle" in the castle chapel. This plaque symbolizes the financial support of Saxony's cultural monuments with funds from Sachsenlotto. This support is part of a comprehensive commitment that ensures the preservation and enhancement of Saxony's rich cultural heritage.
Frank Schwarz (left) and Dr. Christian Striefler (right) unveil the brass plaque (Image: Thomas Wolf)
This also includes a digitization initiative that will bring Saxony's historical treasures into the Internet age with virtual tours and educational videos. Dr. Christian Striefler, Managing Director of Schlösserland Sachsen, and Frank Schwarz, Managing Director of Sachsenlotto, emphasized the importance of virtual tours. These serve not only as marketing tools, but also as interactive portals that arouse interest in real visits. The virtual tours are already very popular, as Schwarz illustrates with his own family: The anticipation of weekend excursions is significantly increased by digital explorations.
Colditz Castle, a witness to history since 1046, not only reflects the investment of over one million euros that has been spent on its maintenance and restoration in recent years, but is also about to enter a new era of visitor experience. When the castle opens on April 17, 2024, visitors will also be able to use the HistoPad. This tablet will provide an innovative way of learning about the castle and its complex history.
During the Second World War, Colditz Castle became famous for the daring and creative escape attempts of its prisoners of war, mainly Allied officers. As Oflag IV C, an officers' camp, it housed inmates who had already escaped from other camps or were considered particularly rebellious. The escapes from Colditz, which ranged from simple disguises to elaborate tunnel constructions, have gone down in military history and have made the castle a symbol of the spirit of resistance and determination. These stories of determination and courage will be brought to life and made tangible for visitors as part of the digital transformation of the castle with the HistoPad.
Colditz Castle with a view of the chapel entrance (Image: Thomas Wolf)
