Wörlitz Volcano
Latitude: 51.8421 N
Longitude: 12.4303 E
In the famous Wörlitzer Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands on the artificial
rock island "Stein" the only artificial volcano in Europe. The "Stein" was built from 1788
to 1794 by order of Prince Leopold III. Friedrich Franz of Anhalt-Dessau. The island
with its grottos and caves, the artificial volcano and the Villa Hamilton are the memories
of Prince Franz on his trip to Italy in 1765/66. On his return he commissioned the
architect Friedrich Wilhelm von Erdmannsdorff with the installation of a Neapolitan
ambiance in the park of his castle. He wanted to give visitors an idea of the Neapolitan
topography, the prevailing vegetation, the shape of a volcano, an ancient theater and
the Villa Hamilton, of contemporary Italian architecture. The villa was built at the foot of
the volcano. It originated as a friendship monument to the British diplomat, antiques collector and geologist Sir William
Hamilton and is certainly one of the most attractive classicist buildings in Germany. In certain festive occasions, such as the
birthday of the prince, the "Vesuvius" was brought to the outbreak: a spectacle that could enjoy from boats viewers.
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Wörlitz, 15.Juni 2016
click on pictures to enlarge
Longitude: 12.4303 E
In the famous Wörlitzer Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands on the artificial
rock island "Stein" the only artificial volcano in Europe. The "Stein" was built from 1788
to 1794 by order of Prince Leopold III. Friedrich Franz of Anhalt-Dessau. The island
with its grottos and caves, the artificial volcano and the Villa Hamilton are the memories
of Prince Franz on his trip to Italy in 1765/66. On his return he commissioned the
architect Friedrich Wilhelm von Erdmannsdorff with the installation of a Neapolitan
ambiance in the park of his castle. He wanted to give visitors an idea of the Neapolitan
topography, the prevailing vegetation, the shape of a volcano, an ancient theater and
the Villa Hamilton, of contemporary Italian architecture. The villa was built at the foot of
the volcano. It originated as a friendship monument to the British diplomat, antiques collector and geologist Sir William
Hamilton and is certainly one of the most attractive classicist buildings in Germany. In certain festive occasions, such as the
birthday of the prince, the "Vesuvius" was brought to the outbreak: a spectacle that could enjoy from boats viewers.
HOME
Wörlitz, 15.Juni 2016
click on pictures to enlarge