The evolution of Schwerinsburg in Windhoek

The evolution of Schwerinsburg in Windhoek

From a tower built by a commissioner to a beer garden and a castle, Schwerinsburg remains a landmark in Namibia.

Schwerinsburg, the largest of three castles in Windhoek, Namibia, is the private residence of the Italian ambassador in Namibia. The site's history is marked by several transitions in use and ownership.

In 1890, during the construction of Alte Feste, Curt von François, commissioner of German South-West Africa, built the tower of Schwerinsburg. In 1904, the Schutztruppe sold the tower to architect Wilhelm Sander. Sander converted the site into a beer garden and named it Sperlingslust, which translates to 'Sparrows' delight'.

In 1913, Hans Bogislav Graf von Schwerin, governor of the Gobabis District of German South-West Africa, bought Sperlingslust from Sander. He engaged him to convert the site into a castle and renamed it Schwerinsburg after himself. Today, the castle serves as the private residence of the Italian ambassador.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

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Written by Mutabor

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