Meissen

This city, which is over 1,000 years old, captivates visitors with its majestic presence, Mediterranean charm and medieval roots. Saxony’s rise to prominence began high above the River Elbe: as early as 929, King Henry I had the first fortifications built here. Long before Dresden became the seat of power for the House of Wettin, Meissen developed into the first royal seat of the Saxon Electors and is still regarded today as the cradle of Saxony.

Meissen became world-famous at the beginning of the 18th century thanks to the invention of European porcelain. In 1709, the alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger and the scholar Ehrenfried Walter von Tschirnhaus developed the ‘white gold’, which had previously been known only from China and Japan. To this day, the porcelain bearing the famous blue swords of the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory stands for the highest standards of craftsmanship and tradition.

To this day, impressive buildings such as the late-Gothic Albrechtsburg Castle and Meissen Cathedral characterise the townscape. Prosperity and splendour were once brought by the silver deposits in the Ore Mountains, which allowed Meissen to grow into a magnificent royal seat. Winding alleys, vineyards and the famous porcelain manufactory make Meissen one of the most beautiful and historic destinations in the Dresden Elbland region today.

Meissen’s old town delights visitors with its small shops, boutiques and studios, which offer a unique shopping experience far removed from the hustle and bustle of the main shopping streets. Whether you’re looking for arts and crafts, fashion, jewellery or porcelain, personalised service and high-quality products are the focus here. The studios on Görnische Gasse in particular invite you to discover paintings, arts and crafts, and extraordinary porcelain art.

After a spot of shopping, wine bars, ice cream parlours and restaurants provide the perfect setting to relax and soak up the lively atmosphere of the Old Town.

Numerous artists live and work in Meissen – particularly around Görnische Gasse. The lovingly restored ‘Goldgässchen’ connects the old town with the porcelain manufactory and forms part of the Porcelain Trail.

Today, several studios characterise the historic lane, making it a special place for art and creativity. Regular events offer fascinating insights into the work of the artists behind the historic façades.

Starting your stay in Meissen with a guided city tour is certainly a great way to discover the many facets of this town, which dates back over 1,000 years, and to hear its history and stories first-hand. The public city tours are as varied as the town on the River Elbe itself.