Meissen - the cradle of Saxony
City of porcelain and wine
Meissen looks back on thousand years of history. The city owes its foundation to the German King Heinrich I, who in 929 ordered a castle to be built. In 1423, Meissen became royal seat of the Saxon electors. That is why Meissn is considered to be the cradle of Saxony. This is underlined by prominent sights.
Meissen is also a wine-growing city. Delicious wines are ripening on the steep mountains of one of Germany's smallest wine-growing areas - another trademark of the 1000-year-old city on the Elbe.
Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle and Cathedral
Symbols of the city are Germany's most clean-cut Gothic Cathedral with its steeples and the first German castle, the late Gothic Albrechtsburg Castle on the mighty Meissen Burgberg (Castle Mountain).
In 1710, the Albrechtsburg was the birthplace of the Meissen porcelain manufactory, first porcelain manufacturing site of its kind in Europe.
Meissen County Porcelain Manufactory
The "white gold" with the "blue swords" as trademark helped Meissen to get to international standing and until this day shines its glory over the city. Visitors come from all over the world to the workshops of the county porcelain manufactory to take a look behind the scenes of the 300-year-old handicraft. The Albrechtsburg reminds of its origin.
Market place and Church of Our Lady
Lying beneath the castle is the historic centre of Meissen. The cobble-stoned alleys, nicely reconstructed town houses from the Renaissance, the late Gothic guildhall, romantic courtyards, craft shops, rustic wine bars and the Church of Our Lady are characteristics of the city. The steeple of the Church of Our Lady encloses the world's first tuneable porcelain glockenspiel.
more information on Meissen
Tip: Meissen wine is a must
For over 800 years, wine has been grown in the Elbe Valley. That is why a taste of it in one of the rustic wine taverns is a must. Equally recommendable are the vineyard hikes, winery tours or excursions along the Saxon Wine Route into the surrounding area of Meissen.
Touristinformation Meissen
Markt 3
01662 Meissen
Fon: +49 (0) 3521 - 41 94 0
Fax: +49 (0) 3521 - 41 94 19
E-Mail: service@touristinfo-meissen.de
Internet: www.touristinfo-meissen.de