The park of the Alt Madlitz castle estate literally breathes artistic air. In the second half of the 18th century, important German thinkers and poets met here to debate art, philosophy and science in the shade of the trees. First mentioned in the 13th century, it was acquired by the Counts Finck von Finckenstein in 1751. The tutor of the Prussian kings Frederick William II and Frederick II did not often stay at the castle estate. It was only his son Friedrich Ludwig Karl who used the estate as his permanent residence and developed it into a true court of the muses. Celebrities such as Ludwig Tieck, Achim von Arnim, Wilhelm von Humboldt, Clemens Brentano and Ewald von Kleist regularly stayed at the "President", as the count was called.
Friedrich Ludwig Karl himself was very interested in landscape design and developed the plans for the extensive Alt Madlitz park, which stretches directly behind the manor house. Skilfully laid out sight lines lined with large oaks and chestnuts form the wonderful ensemble of the oldest English landscape garden in Brandenburg. The landscape park is divided into three sections. The first in the immediate vicinity of the house with the meadow that offers a wide view and later expands and is surrounded by bushes and trees. The area separates the other two sections, which Finckenstein describes in his description of the garden as "rural-modern" and "rural-antique". Both are expressions of his literary interests. The area to the left of the house with gentle hills, artificial mountains and ravines was dedicated to Ewald von Kleist's "Spring", which he loved from his youth.
Finckenstein loved his park so much that he had his heart buried there, surrounded by thirteen field stones that symbolize the number of his children. The gardens had long been overgrown. After reunification, the park was restored on a private initiative. Situated on a lake, the landscape now stretches over smaller and larger hills and invites you to take a walk and admire the trees. The magnificent oaks have won an award from the state of Brandenburg.
Guided tours through the more than 240-year-old park can be arranged.
Year of construction: in the middle of the 18th century
Directions: Car: A12 exit Briesen, then through the forest to Alt Madlitz
