Dessau was the capital of the Dukes of Anhalt-Dessau from 1603 to 1918, and until 1945, capital of the Free State of Anhalt. During World War II, it was nearly destroyed by bombs because it was the site of the Junkers Aircraft Plant, but some of its castles and parks survived. Dessau is the starting point for tours of Wörlitz Castle’s stunning grounds, considered by many to be Germany’s first landscaped park. The many English-style gardens feature canals, lakes, pavilions, grottoes and statuary.