Attraction Guide: Sonnenstein Fortress, Pirna, Germany

Sonnenstein Fortress Guide

Explore Centuries of History: Discover the Sonnenstein Fortress in Pirna Guide

Sonnenstein Fortress, perched high above the Elbe River in Pirna, is a commanding historical landmark with a complex and often tragic past. This imposing fortress offers visitors a journey through centuries of European history, from its origins as a medieval castle to its role as a Renaissance fortress and, most infamously, as a Nazi euthanasia center during World War II. Today, the fortress serves as a memorial site, a museum, and a place of reflection. The fortress's history dates back to the 13th century, when it was first built as a castle to protect the town of Pirna. Over the centuries, it was expanded and fortified, reaching its peak as a Renaissance fortress in the 16th century. In the 18th century, it was converted into a state hospital and asylum. Tragically, during the Nazi era, the Sonnenstein Fortress was used as a euthanasia center where thousands of people with disabilities and mental illnesses were systematically murdered as part of the Nazi regime's "Action T4" program. Today, visitors can explore the fortress grounds, visit the memorial site dedicated to the victims of the Nazi euthanasia program, and learn about the fortress's long and varied history through museum exhibits. Guided tours are available, providing deeper insights into the fortress's past and the events that unfolded within its walls. While the fortress itself doesn't have a specific culinary tradition, the surrounding town of Pirna offers a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can sample local Saxon cuisine.