Anchor point no. 34 of the Via Romantika (Historic Cities)
His realistic vedutas of Dresden, Vienna, Turin and Warsaw brought him into prominence in the 18th century: But painter Bernardo Bellotto, called Canaletto, also painted Pirna. This town, located between Dresden and Saxon Switzerland, is quite often left out by tourists, entirely unjustified as it turns out. In Pirna, time seems to stand still. The townscape has not changed much since Canaletto’s times. The former fortress Sonnenstein sits enthroned high above the completely preserved historical centre that is characterised by beautiful buildings in Renaissance style. Pirna’s guildhall, which was modified several times over the years, does not stand at but literally on the market square. Only a few feet away the late Gothic church St. Mary’s soars up, one of Saxony’s most beautiful sacred buildings. Pirna is also the southern starting point of the Saxon Wine Route. Whether in small alleys or by the Elbe river: there are numerous places to enjoy a nice glass of wine. It seems Canaletto knew exactly why he had chosen Pirna as his motif.
