Well, if you are going to have a fort, the first thing you need is a secure supply of water. The well was dug by hand between 1563 and 1569. It is 152.5 m deep, making it the second deepest well in Germany. The deepest well is 176 m at Burg Kyffhausen, Thüringen.
We got to watch a demonstration of the well. As the engine turns one bucket goes down as the other comes up.
There is a video camera at the bottom, so you can see what is going on a monitor.
They actually dropped some water over the edge, and it took ~13 seconds to reach the bottom.
The well needs to be protected from bombardment, so the building was built between 1735 and 1737 with a sandstone vaulted roof. In 1881 the roof was improved with granite and pounded cement resting on steel girders. They were determined never to let thirst beat them.
Also on the grounds is a church
A watchtower doubled as a banquet hall. Referred to as Frederick's castle after a visit from the king. In 1731 it was converted to a Baroque pavilion with a mechanical table in its center that would rise up from below fully set and ready to party.
The fun part is that the table was reconstructed in 1999, and now can be hired for special occasions. A truly awesome spot for a small wedding! The views are just fantastic overlooking the Elbe.
It was so much fun to walk the ramparts.
There was the occasional cannon to admire.
Cute watch towers
But it was the views that just dazzled.
The fort also has some of the oldest barracks in Germany, an exhibit at the Treasury to show how they held the treasures of Saxony and loads of other buildings. Really a must see. And with that I will say good night.
