Isle of Rock with Villa Hamilton

At the foot of the volcano

Visible from afar, a volcanic crater can be seen on the eastern edge of Lake Wörlitz. This is it, the unique Wörlitz “Vesuvius” on the Insel Stein. When you reach the wildly romantic island, framed by Lombard poplars and planted with agaves, vines and fig trees, your thoughts involuntarily fly to Italy.

History

Bella Italia in Wörlitz

The Isle of Rock is a place of longing for Prince Franz, who lost his heart to Italy on the “Grand Tour”. From 1788 to 1794 he had it built as a souvenir of Naples.

And his subjects, who would never be able to visit southern Italy, were also to be given the opportunity to get to know the world of Mediterranean antiquity. In addition to the volcano, the ensemble therefore also includes an ancient theatre and a scaled-down copy of a contemporary Italian country house – the Villa Hamilton. The prince dedicated it to his friendship with the British diplomat and antiquities collector Sir William Hamilton by having his Neapolitan villa Emma recreated on a small scale.

Come on in!

What to expect

L'isola sta aspettando

Visiting

You can explore the Insel Stein at your leisure. Wander through the dark grottoes, climb the “Vesuvius” like Prince Franz once did, marvel at the Mediterranean flora and stand in the orchestra of the ancient theatre yourself. Così bella! Our tip: Learn more about how Italy came to Wörlitz in an exciting guided tour of the island.

Wörlitzer Park, Insel Stein ©KsDW, Heinz Fräßdorf

Bright red

Villa Hamilton

Another classicist masterpiece by the architect von Erdmannsdorff in Wörlitz is the Villa Hamilton. It is small, comprising only three rooms. But the walls and ceilings are adorned with countless images that captivate the eye and complete the inner journey to 18th-century Italy. You shouldn’t miss it!

Information for your visit

Opening hours 2025

March 22 to April 30, 2025
Tue-Sun, public holidays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

May 1 to September 30, 2025
Tue-Thu, Sun, public holidays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fri, Sat 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

October 1 to November 2, 2025
Tue to Sun, holidays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Guided tours

The Isle of Rock incl. Villa Hamilton can be visited individually or as part of a guided tour.

Guided tour (approx. 1 hour):
Fri 11:00 a.m. (or by appointment at other times)

Book online

Prices

Individual tour
€ 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 or for groups are possible by prior arrangement at special conditions.

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

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

Accessibility

The Insel Stein is only partially barrier-free. Access to the island is via a stepless bridge to the ancient theatre. Seating is available. Narrow stairs lead to Villa Hamilton, through the grottoes and up to the volcano.

Contact

Insel Stein im Wörlitzer Park
D-06785 Oranienbaum-Wörlitz / OT Stadt Wörlitz
Telefon +49 (0) 3 49 05.3 04 60
schloss-woerlitz@gartenreich.de

Tips, offers, events,...

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

Opening hours 2025

January to March 21, November, December:
Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

22. March 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.