Situated in the Anhalt-Wittenberg region, the former royal seat of Dessau is set amid expansive meadow scenery that stretches out from both sides of the Lower Mulde River, which flows into the Elbe just north of the town. Luisium Palace is a masterpiece by the German architect Friedrich Erdmannsdorff, and its verdant park, which borders Dessau to the north-east, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The man-made rock island known as the "Rock of Wonders" is a little piece of Italy in Wörlitz. Luisium Palace and Park
Situated on the outskirts of Dessau, Luisium Palace's English garden is one of the gems of the Garden Kingdom. Prince Franz gifted this small and intimate palace to his wife Luise, a princess of Brandenburg-Schwedt by birth (1750-1811). The classical and neo-Gothic palace buildings combine harmoniously with their artistically landscaped surroundings, forming an ensemble of the most exquisite splendour. Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz
One of the foremost country parks in Europe, the Garden Kingdom is the realisation of the vision that inspired Prince Leopold III of Anhalt-Dessau and his landscape architects such as the great Erdmannsdorff – namely to combine beauty with practicality. Covering a total area of 145km², the Garden Kingdom, which includes Wörlitz Park, comprises seven parks and palace gardens. Visitors can expect a new and wondrous view around every corner. Rock of Wonders
The Garden Kingdom's "Rock of Wonders", was built between 1788 and 1794 on the instruction of Prince Leopold III of Anhalt-Dessau. A man-made island, it was built as a reminder of the Prince's trip to Italy, and alongside its grottos and tunnels it boasts a recreation of Mount Vesuvius. Villa Hamilton, which itself is one of the finest classical buildings in Germany, can be found at the foot of what is Europe's only artificial volcano. On special occasions visitors can even witness an artificial volcanic eruption. The "Rock of Wonders" also has an amphitheatre where visitors are transported back to ancient times.