Meißen - The cradle of Saxony

For the Historian

With a history dating back more than a thousand years, Meissen has long been known as the "cradle" of Saxony. That the town is worthy of such a name is clearly seen in its buildings. This is manifest, for example, in the mighty ensemble of Albrechtsburg Castle and Meissen Cathedral on the hill above the town. Today the castle is a museum which is just as popular with visitors as the cathedral, whose architecture is pure gothic.

With the romantic silhouette of the roofs of the Old Town below it, the hill offers a magnificent panorama and has become a favourite subject for photographers standing on the banks of the Elbe. Equally imposing is the view from the 57-metre-high tower of the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), situated at the old marketplace. From here, the visitor will be tempted to take a leisurely stroll through the narrow medieval streets, with their quiet squares and steep flights of steps, past century-old patrician houses which today accommodate small shops, cafés and wine cellars.

For the Gourmet

Sitting in one of Meissen’s old taverns, which are mostly steeped in history and which radiate that brand of congeniality which the Germans call "Gemütlichkeit", the guests can do no better than to give in to the delightful sensations which the palate alone is able to arouse. This they can do by sampling one of the many tasty dishes which Saxony’s cuisine has to offer and by savouring a genuine Meissen wine.

Saxony’s vineyards are the most north-easterly in Europe and, thanks to the mild climate of the Elbe Valley, they produce an excellent dry wine which is not only highly esteemed by visitors but positively venerated by the locals.

While in Meissen, visitors must not forget to sample the artistry of Saxon bakers. Among all the delicious types of cakes on display in the shops, the visitor is sure to find the "Meissner Fummel" – a very light and airy puff pastry which continues to amuse and delight visitors to Meissen.

For the Artist

The beautiful location of Meissen has always been a great attraction for painters.

But Meissen’s claim to art fame derives chiefly from the first European porcelain factory founded here in 1710 and which has been based in Meissen ever since – even if its products have come to be known in different parts of the world as "Dresden china"! The production of ornamental as well as functional porcelain – all hand-made, of course, and bearing the mark of the famous Crossed Swords – has continued up to this very day. More than 400,000 visitors a year come to watch the highly artistic and masterly production of porcelain in the exhibition workshop of the Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur.

For the Country Lover  

The medieval town of Meissen is majestically enthroned in the enchanting landscape of the Elbe Valley, with its riverside meadows, its wooded hills and the vineyards adorning the adjacent slopes. Walking in the countryside outside of the town (along the "Sächsische Weinstraße", for example), cycling along the banks of the Elbe or cruising on the river in one of the old pleasure side-wheel steamship, which are still to be found plying the waters of the Elbe, are just three of the many ways of adding to the enjoyment of a visit to Meissen.

As far as culture is concerned, the town and its environs have much more to offer than castles and palaces: all kinds of cultural events are held during the year which provide a great variety of entertainment for the visitor. The best known is, of course, the Meissen Wine Festival, which takes place every year at the time of the grape harvest.

And the fact that Dresden is only 25 kilometres away, and can be easily and comfortably reached with the suburban railway, means that a trip to Saxony’s capital is as simple as it is worthwhile. The wine-growing villages along the Elbe, the valleys cutting into the hills to the west of the river as well as Moritzburg hunting lodge – all popular spots for a day out in the country – round off the impressive panorama of the Meissen countryside.

More information about Meissen:

Tourist-Information Meissen
Markt 3
01662 Meissen

Phone: +49 3521/ 4194-0
Fax: +49 3521/ 419419
Email: service@touristinfo-meissen.de
Internet: www.touristinfo-meissen.de