Burgberg

Domplatz 1
Dresden
Sexony
03521-47-070

http://www.albrechtsburgmeissen.de

Type: Self-guided Tour
Cost: $6

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The castle, which was the first of its kind in Germany, is more a residence palace than a fortress. It was commissioned in 1464 by the brothers Ernst and Albrecht Wettiner, who jointly ruled what is mostly modern-day Saxony and Thuringia. However, in 1485, shortly before the castle’s completion, the brothers split up the land and Albrecht moved the residence to Dresden. As a result the castle was seldom used. The castle, designed by Arnold von Westfalen, is in a Late Gothic style showing some influence from French châteaux. It has a masterful staircase that conveys a sense of lightness despite its size. Renouncing the use of flying buttresses, the outside walls were made thicker to support the weight of the building – from two to four meters (six-12 feet) between the ground and third floor. The architectural techniques and final appearance were considered very modern at the time. Parts of the interior have some of the best wall paintings in Germany, but they date from the late 19th century when the castle was restored in the spirit of historicism. Although the Albrechtsburg seldom served its purpose as a residence, it did play a role in history. The Meißen porcelain factory was located here from 1710 to 1863. Initially Böttger and some staff were virtual prisoners here as King Augustus attempted (unsuccessfully) to keep the manufacturing secrets out of the hands of other European states. On 3 October 1990, the Free State of Saxony was officially proclaimed from the castle. Despite its role in the history of Meissen porcelain, very little of it is seen in the castle. The permanent exhibitions cover the history of the castle, Böttger and the manufacturing of porcelain. There are also medieval statues on loan from the State Art Collection in Dresden. Opening hours are March to October from 10 am to 6 pm and November to February from 10 am to 5 pm.