Torgau is a magnet for photographers: the view of the restored Elbe façade of Hartenfels Castle is clear once again

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For anyone who enjoys weekend city breaks in Saxony and capturing the region’s historic beauty on camera, a trip to Torgau is now once again particularly worthwhile. One of the most picturesque sights can now be seen once more without scaffolding or tarpaulins. The view of Hartenfels Castle from the Elbe side is clear once more, according to the North Saxony District Office. The scaffolding, behind which extensive restoration work had been taking place since May 2025, has now been dismantled.

Around 3,300 square metres of façade now shine in new splendour. The project to preserve this historically significant monument cost 2.16 million euros.

Shining in new splendour

At the start of the restoration, the old render was first completely removed to give building experts and conservators an overview of the original façade design and the exact restoration requirements for windows and doors, jambs and cornices, as well as parts of the roof covering.

“The sandstone cornices, for example, required more extensive restoration work, which delayed completion accordingly,” says Jens Kabisch, the Second Deputy District Administrator of the District of North Saxony. The long winter also slowed down the construction project, as both plastering and painting work can only be carried out once the temperature reaches a certain level.

The façade between the two corner sections – which had already been renovated in 2021/22 – was ultimately given three new layers of lime plaster, including a coat of paint. Fresh colours now adorn the windows and window surrounds as well. According to Jens Kabisch, the budget set before work began was adhered to despite the delays.