Author Description

Schloss Friedrichstein, built in the early 18th century as a family seat of the Dönhoff counts, was one of the most magnificent palaces among those in East Prussia. Today, it is chiefly known as the birth place of Marion Gräfin Dönhoff, later co-publisher and editor-in-chief of the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit. Shortly after her flight during World War II, in January 1945, Soviet troops nearly completely destroyed the palace. Over the last decade the editors have investigated the changeable history of the Baroque palace ensemble with passion and meticulousness, and in the process they brought something astonishing to light: Contrary to prior assumptions, pieces of the interior design, such as excellently worked tapestries and important paintings, are by no means lost but survive in part and some are well preserved. The finds are presented in large-scale illustrations. Moreover, with the help of historical and current photographs, specialists are now looking into the history of the palace from its beginnings up to the present day.