Historic Film-Featured Johannstorf Castle Destroyed in Suspected Arson

The 18th-century baroque castle, known for its role in the award-winning film 'The White Ribbon,' burned completely in a fire believed to be intentionally set.

The Johannstorf Castle in Dassow, Germany, burned down early Saturday morning, with authorities suspecting arson as the cause.
The castle, a baroque structure dating back to the 18th century, was featured in the acclaimed 2009 film 'The White Ribbon,' which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes.
Firefighters faced significant challenges extinguishing the blaze due to the castle's location on an island accessible only by a deteriorating wooden bridge.
The building, which was unoccupied and in disrepair, was allowed to burn under controlled conditions to ensure safety, leaving it entirely destroyed.
The estimated damage is valued at approximately one million euros, and investigations involving a fire cause expert are set to continue in the coming days.