Torgau – Schloss Hartenfels zu Torgau (Castle)

This had been destroyed and is now renovated. Multiple architectural styles were kept to capture the history of the building.  There is a pit with some bears that is half renovated. We did not see the bears.

The castle on a sunny day.
Great weather for touring!

Always construction going on. That is a good thing.
20 years ago a lot of these sites were in total disrepair.

Close up of the entrance.

Close up of the official emblem

The castle has a bear population. We didn't see them. This is the
left side as we crossed a walkway towards the entrance.

This is the right side with the workers repairing the site.

Looking at the front of the building to the left of the emblem.
Blue sky is real!!

The tower is a point of pride.

As the castle was renovated, there was discussion on
the point in time for the restoration. It was decided
that different sides of the interior courtyard would
be done in the different styles that existed in the
castle's history.  This is one example.

This is another example.
If you are an architect and can add to the conversation
about these window styles, please do so in the comment
section.  

Every courtyard needs a statue and fountain.

Another view of the tower.  It looked so nice
against the red roof and the blue sky.
This is only one of the series of photos that
I took.

We walked to the river. A monument was erected to remember the end of WW II and "the east meets the west."

I continue to be impressed by the services provided by AHI Travel.  The guides speak slowly and clearly and are very knowledgeable.  The schedule, as seen from the participants view, is well organized and communicated clearly to all of the participants.  We have more than enough time to visit gift shops and cafes, although I always feel that I would love to take more time sitting in the cafes.  If you are going to buy something, you need to get in to the shop and make your purchase quickly.  Very fast and efficient German scheduling.  Some women comment that there should be more time to shop, but I think that they are professional shoppers and could spend all day shopping…and I get this impression from their husbands!

And here comes our boat, MS Swiss Ruby.  Looking forward to another night on board.