The Lüchow Administration Tower is an imposing building. It serves as the corner bastion of the four-winged castle built in the second half of the 15th century, the foundation walls of which are still clearly visible in the Schlossberg park. Its predecessor was the castle of the Counts of Lüchow, which was built on the foundations of a Slavic fortification. 

The castle was commissioned by Anna of Nassau-Dillenburg, Duchess of Brunswick-Lüneburg (1441–1513), whose coat of arms adorns the tower on the town side. Lüchow Castle served as a widow’s residence for the duchesses of Brunswick-Lüneburg. Anna of Nassau resided here from 1496 to 1504; other duchesses who followed her expanded the building. After the Guelphs became kings of England, the castle served as the official residence of the district administrator. Hence the name of the tower. In 1811, the castle was destroyed in a town fire. Learn more about the history of Lüchow Castle here.

The brick tower is 22 meters high. From here, one can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Lüchow and its surroundings. On a clear day, you can even see Salzwedel on the horizon. Above the walkway, there was originally a tower section approximately 12 meters high, topped by a 5-meter-high cupola. Neither of these features could be preserved. The walls of the administrative tower are up to 3.5 meters thick. Over the centuries, it served as a fortification, residence, and prison.

In 1930, the district’s first museum was established in the tower. Today, in addition to the history of the Counts of Lüchow, it showcases other chapters of Lüchow’s municipal history and their connections to broader historical contexts.

VIEW ALSO: EXHIBITION IN THE MUSEUM BUILDING