The cradle of Saxony
The Meissen Albrechtsburg is Germany’s first castle complex that gave up its fortifying character in favor of becoming a representative place of residence. Therefore, it is regarded to be the first German palatial building and a masterpiece of late-Gothic architecture. After, in 929, King Henry I had had a wooden fortress built on a rock towering above the Elbe river, Meissen became the center of the march of the same name bordering on the eastern territories still under Slavic control. The margrave ruled over the entire Margraviate of Meissen and resided in the previous building of the Albrechtsburg Castle which was to go down in history as »the cradle of Saxony«.
New permanent exhibition
A new permanent exhibition is on display since 8th May 2011 at the Albrechtsburg Castle.
For the first time ever, all floors of the castle are opened to the public permanently. The exhibition gives a comprehensive presentation of the castle: architecture, murals, interior design, historical documents, authentic exhibits, models and multimedia applications will be displayed on five different areas.
Learn more about the permanent exhibition.
History of the building and palace
The palace building was erected between 1471 and 1524 by order of the Wettin brothers Ernst and Albrecht who jointly ruled over the Duchy of Saxony. As a sign of power and wealth, the new residence was not only to be designed as a representative administration center, but also as a place where two separate courts could be held. The master builder Arnold von Westfalen was commissioned with the building. He created a castle that set European standards in spatial structure, statics, vaulting, and window and staircase design.
- Chronology of the most important facts (PDF; 257 KB)
Special exhibitions
From Autumn 2011 the Albrechtsburg castle will plan regular special exhibitions in its new available rooms on the ground floor. There will be exhibitions concerning different topics, particularly on graphic arts.
In 2010 the anniversary exhibition »White Gold – 300 years of Myth in the Meissen’s manufacture: the Albrechtsburg castle as the porcelain castle.« reached a peak of 115 000 visitors. Impressions about the anniversary exhibition at
http://www.der-stein-der-weissen.de/en/
Historical round tour
See the castle hill on its green side: The »Upper Promenade« leads along the outer walls from the Granary, the Albrechtsburg and the Cathedral to the steps up to the Local Court. Its course through the park opens up new perspectives in contrast to the view of the Albrechtsburg from the inner courtyard. Wonderful views over the Elbe river valley and Meissen’s Old Town are complemented by numerous information boards along the 500 m path. They give visitors interesting background information on the history of the path and the castle hill.
The round tour is open during regular opening hours. (Subject to adverse weather conditions.)
