On first seeing the bizarre rock formations in the beech grove not far from Zwernitz Castle a guest of Margrave Friedrich is said to have exclaimed "C'est sans pareil!" ("It has no equal!").

Between 1744 and 1748 the Oriental Building and the kitchen building opposite were constructed in this unusual natural setting from designs by the court architect Joseph St Pierre. These two buildings, which were used for festivities at the Bayreuth Court, are grouped around a sunken garden parterre, which was recreated in 1984 from a copper engraving made in 1748.