Have you ever wondered about the history hidden within the walls of a building? The Bischofspresse in Radebeul a charming village near Dresden holds a fascinating story. It’s more than just a picturesque wine press. It’s a testament to centuries of winemaking and changing ownership.
The Bischofspresse originally belonged to the Meissen bishops. Bishop Konrad II of Kirchberg-Wallhausen built a wine press and cellar on the Bishopsberg in 1373. This remained in the bishops’ possession until secularization in 1539. It’s one of the oldest estates in the Lößnitz region.
The core of the current press house dates back to the second half of the 16th century. Matthias Oeder’s map from after 1586 labels it Simon Claus Press after the Naundorf farmer who acquired it in 1584 along with the Hohenhaus. Around 1600 it was sold to Dresden councilors Jacob Kuffer and Conrad Röchle. More ownership changes followed in 1620 and 1654.
Around 1680 the Electoral tax secretary Michael Findekeller constructed the current winegrower’s house also known as the manor house. Around 1724 it belonged to the Privy War Councilor von Teubern. In 1773 Dresden merchant Gottfried Rentzsch expanded the house by adding a window axis about four meters.
From 1794 the Elz family owned the estate for generations. Dresden city surgeon Michael Elz built a classical friendship temple in the garden in 1811 to commemorate his wife who died young. A bakehouse was added around 1800.
After the last Elz descendant died in 1951 the estate became city property. The city added several apartments. Despite deterioration the planned demolition was averted by residents supported by master builder Franz Jörissen.
Following privatization in 1994 the buildings were renovated over about ten years. The round temple demolished in 1973 was rebuilt around 1995. Today the Bischofspresse is used as a multi-family house. The press house was sold separately to a stone setter who converted it into a residential and office building.
The Bischofspresse’s owners an architect and his family received the Radebeul Building Award in 2005 for the renovation in the category of preservation of historical monuments. The Bischofspresse stands as a unique example of the seamless transition from simple winegrowers’ houses to more stately homes. Its story continues to unfold a fascinating blend of history architecture and winemaking.