Stolpen Castle is built on top of a rock in the centre of the town and has been a dominant feature in the history of Saxony since 1100, with the current castle constructed from around 1218. It has been used as a residence for the Bishops of Meissen, and for the ruling members of the region. Augustus II the Strong imprisoned his mistress Countess Costel here. Parts of the castle fell into disrepair and were demolished in the 18th century. Napoleonic troops occupied part of it on their retreat from Russia in 1813. Since the 19th century it has been carefully looked after, and today welcomes 140,000 visitors a year to see the museum exhibitions and remains.