Gothic House

(Gotisches Haus)

Gardener's Dwelling and Princely Residence

Wörlitzer Park has many surprises in store. This is also the case with the Gothic House. With its pointed arches, battlements and tracery elements, it seems to come from the Middle Ages – while its two different facades are reminiscent of England and Italy. The front facing the Wolf Canal is modelled on the Venetian church of Madonna dell’Orto, while the garden side impresses in the style of English Tudor Gothic. And the interior of the building also enchants with medieval charm, deep symbolism and great art.

History

At that time, it was considered an architectural novelty in Germany: Neo-Gothic. In contrast to classicism, it is the second prominent architectural style in the Garden Realm, a commitment by Prince Franz to his own tradition and history of his family. The Gothic House can be considered the highlight of this connection.

According to the specifications of the prince and designs by Friedrich Wilhelm von Erdmannsdorff and Georg Christoph Hesekiel, it was built from 1773 and redesigned several times until 1813. The Gothic House was initially intended to serve as an apartment for the court gardener Schoch. From 1785 onwards, however, the prince increasingly used it himself as his – more or less – secret family residence: he lived in three small rooms and a “wild marriage” with Luise Schoch (1769–1813), the gardener’s daughter, and their three children.

Come on in!

What to expect

Visiting

Visiting Prince Franz

Like in another world: When you enter the Gothic House, it inevitably enchants with its medieval-looking flair. Whether you want to visit the rooms alone or learn more about the history and stories of the winding building and its art treasures in a guided tour – a visit is definitely worthwhile!

Eye-catcher

Our peacocks

Free-roaming peacocks have always been part of the staged garden pictures of Wörlitz Park. With their imposing plumage, they enchant. The beautiful animals are particularly common at the Gothic House. But despite all the enthusiasm for their beauty: Please keep a respectful distance from the animals.

Information for your visit

Opening hours 2024

16 March to 30 April
Sat, Sun, holidays 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

1 May to 30 September
Tue-Sun, public holidays 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

October
Sat, Sun, holidays 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Guided tours

The Gothic House can be visited individually or as part of a guided tour.

Guided tour (approx. one hour):
11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Prices

Individual visits
6,00 €, reduced 5,00 €

Participation in a guided tour
9,00 €, reduced 7,00 €

Children up to 16 years of age accompanied by an adult free of charge

Guided tours outside opening hours are possible by appointment at special conditions.

Discounts
for groups of 15 or more people
Students up to 25 years of age, trainees, unemployed, severely disabled persons (accompanying person free), holders of volunteer cards of the city of Dessau-Roßlau

Other conditions
Guided tour for school classes (max. 3 accompanying persons) and
Guided tours for student groups (max. 1 accompanying person, art history, history, restoration, horticulture, etc. of all universities and universities of applied sciences) € 3.00 per person

Combined tickets

Fürst Franz Karte
One-time admission to Wörlitz Palace and visit to the Gothic House
Price: €13.00

3-Lock Card
One-time admission to the palaces Oranienbaum, Mosigkau, Luisium and the Gothic House in Wörlitz
Price: €19.00

More information

Gothic House in Wörlitz Park
D-06785 Oranienbaum-Wörlitz
OT City of Wörlitz
Phone +49 (0) 3 49 05.3 03 02
gotisches-haus@gartenreich.de

Did you know?

Switzerland in the Garden Realm

The windows of the Gothic House are decorated with over 200 stained glass paintings. These colourful glasses not only create an impressive spatial effect when the sun falls. No, each of the fine glasses is a small work of art. Works by almost all Swiss masters of stained glass from the 15th to 17th centuries are represented in this unique collection.

The depictions range from Bible stories to secular images, such as coats of arms. Take the time to take a closer look at the panes – you will discover fabulous details!

Any questions?

We are here for you

Gartenreich Dessau-Wörlitz

Touristinformation

in the kitchen building at Wörlitz Palace
Kirchgasse 35, D-06785 Oranienbaum-Wörlitz
Phone +49 (0) 3 49 05.3 10 09
info@welterbe-gartenreich.de
www.welterbe-gartenreich.de

We are here for you

Opening hours 2024

January to 15 March, November, December:
Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

. March 16 to October 31:
Monday to Thursday, Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.