Wasserschloss Ebersbach

“Around 1200 a water castle stood here” a local whispered. The Wasserschloss Ebersbach in Goerlitz Germany. It wasn’t always a stately home. Its history stretches back centuries. It began as a modest water castle. This was around 1200. It became a royal hunting lodge by 1392. This was during the reign of the Duke of Gorlitz. He strengthened its defenses. A significant event took place in 1560. A devastating fire destroyed the castle. The von Bischofswerder family rebuilt it. They embraced the Renaissance style. Their ownership lasted until 1581. Then Hiob von Salza took possession. He initiated further renovations. The 18th century saw more changes. Anna Martha Keßler von Sprengseyssen inherited it in 1719. Carl Victor August von Broitzem acquired the estate in 1754. He added Mansard roofs. This gave the Wasserschloss its Baroque look. Changes continued in 1798 and 1799. A wing was demolished in 1845. The western moat was filled in. Gustav Adolph Freiherr von Steinäcker owned it then. The Wasserschloss had many owners after this. Georg Graf von Westarp owned it in 1901. The Brühl family took over in 1910. The castle and estate changed hands often. Kurt Brühl was expropriated in 1945. He was deported to Rügen. This was due to land reform. The municipality of Schöpstal now owns it. They have comprehensively restored it. The Wasserschloss Ebersbach serves as the municipal office. It also provides housing and a doctor’s office. Its great hall hosts events. The almost completely enclosed moat remains. It’s a testament to the Wasserschloss’s enduring legacy. The water castle is completely covered by the present building. It received protected status in 1966. A reminder of its rich and fascinating past.