The “Dutch ensemble” The Schloss and Schlosspark Oranienbaum

The prominent baroque ensemble of town, Schloss, and Schlosspark lies approximately 6 km to the east of the Dessau-Ost (Dessau East) motorway exit.

Henriette Catharina of Oranien-Nassau, consort of the Prince Johann Georg II of Anhalt-Dessau, had this expansive complex built (commencing in 1683) as a summer residence. In addition to giving the complex a name incorporating her own family name, the Princess gave the Schloss a Dutch character. This was primarily owing to the notable Dutch architect Cornelis Ryckwaert being commissioned to create it. Parts of the baroque garden were re-landscaped in the late 18th century. The Kanalgarten or canal garden, for instance, was turned into an English/Chinese garden section with a teahouse, a pagoda, and numerous bridges. In 1810-1812, the architect Pozzi designed the orangery, one of the longest in Europe. To this day, almost 300 citrus plants overwinter there.

Special features:
The TabakCollegium in the northerly Kavalierpavillon: numerous exhibits shed light on the history of tobacco cultivation and the production of smoking products in Anhalt from the late 17th century onwards. It can be viewed when the Schloss is open to the public.
The Chinese teahouse and Chinese pagoda in the English/Chinese garden: these two pieces of architecture provide the design for this garden section, and are expressions of the 18th century’s enthusiasm for China. You can find the opening times at the websitesection of exhibitions.
GartenreichLaden in southerly services wing.