High above the Müglitz River, Dohna Castle watches over the town of Dohna. It’s a place steeped in history, the second oldest town in the upper Elbe Valley. Dohna’s story begins long before the castle’s first recorded mention in 1040. Traces of settlements date back to the Bronze Age, around 1800-1600 BC, with fortifications on Robisch Hill and Burgberg Hill. These strategic locations guarded the prehistoric long-distance trade route “Kulmer Steig.” Imagine the bustling activity along these ancient paths, traders traversing the heights with their precious goods.
Dohna’s location at the entrance to the Müglitz Valley made it a gateway to the Osterzgebirge mountains. It also placed the town squarely in the path of territorial struggles between the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Margraviate of Meissen. The castle itself was likely built by Emperor Otto I around 960, a testament to the town’s strategic importance. The castle became the center of an imperial county, controlled by the powerful Donin family, also known as the Burggraves of Dohna. These Burggraves weren’t just local lords. They played significant roles in regional power dynamics. They even had their own minting rights, founded towns, issued their own documents, and held court. Their legal authority, known as the “Dohnaer Schöppenstuhl,” was renowned. They served as royal governors and high judges in Dresden. This position gave them control over fortifications and entitled them to a portion of the tolls collected from the Dresden Elbe bridge.
The Donins were instrumental in shaping the landscape of the region. They oversaw vast clearings and the establishment of numerous villages, solidifying their wealth and influence. They even aspired to become territorial rulers. Under Emperor Barbarossa’s orders, the Donins directed the construction of the planned city of Dresden, including its first stone bridge in the 13th century. Dohna’s story isn’t all triumphs, however. The town has also faced its share of adversity. The “Kaisernacht” of 1813 saw Dohna ravaged by fighting between Napoleonic and Russian troops. The scars of this conflict, cannonballs and inscriptions on buildings, serve as reminders of this turbulent period. Floods have also plagued Dohna. In 1897, 1927, 1957, and most recently in 2002, the Müglitz River overflowed its banks, causing extensive damage. Each time, the citizens of Dohna rallied, rebuilding and restoring their beloved town.
Today, Dohna retains a charming small-town character. Its historic market square, a hub of activity for centuries, is surrounded by reminders of its rich past. St. Mary’s Church, a late Gothic hall church dating back to 1489, stands proudly in the town. Within its walls, you’ll find a carved altar from 1518 and a sandstone baptismal font from the 15th century. Nearby, the “Old Pharmacy,” operational from 1700 to 1992, now houses a local museum. The “Hospital” building with its sundial once provided shelter for pilgrims visiting St. Mary’s Church. In the Ratskeller, a knight’s sculpture, believed to be Burggrave Jeschke, greets visitors.
Dohna invites you to explore its layers of history, from Bronze Age fortifications to the remnants of its medieval castle. It’s a story of powerful families, territorial conflicts, and the enduring spirit of a community that has rebuilt time and again. As you wander through the town’s historic streets, let the echoes of its past transport you back in time.