The brothers Ernst and Albrecht, Wettin co-rulers, commissioned the master builder Arnold von Westfalen in 1471. He received the newly created office of sovereign master builder. Building ran to about 1495, then halted until 1500. Jakob Heilmann completed the upper northern interiors around 1521.
The plan is hook-shaped on a rocky plateau above the Elbe. Late Gothic decoration is combined with early Renaissance forms. Every story is vaulted, and the south side has a main staircase tower. The article notes French influence in the lucarnes and staircase tower.
The Meissen porcelain manufactory was established here on June 6, 1710, and moved out in the mid-19th century. The castle was rebuilt from 1864 to 1870. It opened to the public at the end of the 19th century.
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