Lingnerschloss (Lingner Castle), Dresden

Lingner Castle, commonly referred to as Villa Stockhausen occupies a central position among the three Elbe castles in Dresden. Initially constructed from 1850 to 1853 on behalf of Prince Albrecht of Prussia, the villa served as a residence for Friedrich Ludwig Albert Freiherr von Stockhausen-Immenhausen. The building's design, a product of classicist architecture by Adolph Lohse, includes a surrounding park and a vineyard, enhancing its grandeur.

In 1906, the property was acquired by Karl August Lingner, a notable Dresden entrepreneur and inventor, who transformed it significantly. Lingner, famed for inventing Odol mouthwash and founding the Hygiene Museum in Dresden, introduced various unique features to the castle. These included a private inclined elevator from the Elbe Valley, an organ whose music could be shared via telephone, and a small zoo within the redesigned park. Architectural enhancements continued under Wilhelm Kreis and artists like Franz von Stuck, and even a mausoleum was added by Hans Poelzig and Georg Kolbe, where Lingner was later buried.

The castle boasts historical interiors, including a former dining room adorned with a wall frieze of reliefs from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, which survived the destructive air raids on Dresden in 1945. Post-war, the castle served various roles, from a military hospital to a Soviet command center and later as a club venue for intellectuals.

The building faced neglect and vandalism after standing empty from 1993 until the Lingner Castle Support Association was founded in 2002, promoting its restoration. This citizen-driven initiative, supported by local entrepreneurs and volunteers, aims to transform Lingner Castle into a vibrant public venue. Renovations began in 2004 with plans to feature a café, restaurant, and event spaces, fostering cultural and educational gatherings.