Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz

The Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz was laid out in the second half of the 18th century. It is the result of Prince Franz von Anhalt-Dessau's extensive endeavours for reformation in the spirit of enlightenment and humanism. A synthesis of nature, architecture and the fine arts, it bears testament to the cultural riches of bygone days. Covering an area of around 142 square kilometres, its palaces, individually designed gardens, sculptures and numerous small buildings sit in harmony with the unspoilt riverside scenery of the Elbe and Mulde rivers. Highlights include classical Luisium palace with its English gardens, Mosigkau's rococo ensemble, Grosskühnau country park, Georgium Palace and the Anhalt Art Gallery, the town palace and park of Oranienbaum and Wörlitz Park. The Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz is essentially the work of two men - Prince Leopold III von Anhalt-Dessau (1740-1817) and his friend and adviser Friedrich Wilhelm von Erdmannsdorff.