Albrechtsburg & Meissen Cathedral
Albrechtsburg Meißen
The earliest castle-palace in the German-speaking world, standing on a hill by the Elbe alongside a Gothic cathedral and overlooking the old porcelain town.
Meissen lies about 25 kilometres northwest of Dresden and is the birthplace of Saxony. The Albrechtsburg on the hilltop was built in the 15th century and is regarded as Germany’s first castle converted from fortress into palace. From 1710 to 1863 it housed Europe’s first hard-paste porcelain manufactory, and the castle now has exhibitions on the history of porcelain. Beside it stands the Gothic Meissen Cathedral, begun in the 13th century. Admission to the castle is about €10 (check the official website for details). The market square and lanes of the Old Town below are worth a stroll. From Dresden, take the S1 S-Bahn for about 40 minutes, or take a paddle steamer in summer.
Opening hours
About 10:00–18:00; shorter in winter (check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
- Moritzburg Castle
- Yenidze
- Zwinger
- Semperoper
- Dresden Castle & Green Vault
- Dresden Cathedral (Hofkirche)
- Golden Rider