Dresden Castle Residence is one of the key attractions of this German city. Initially, it was the seat of the electors - princes during the time of the Holy Roman Empire, later kings. This is the oldest building in Dresden, preserved to this day.
First mention
For the first time in historical sources, the Dresden Castle Residence was mentioned in 1289. Moreover, the castle itself was supposed to appear much earlier, according to some sources, back in 1206, when a congress of the Saxon nobility was held in Dresden.
By the end of the 13th century, a stone bridge was built across the Elbe. Historians suggest that it was a Roman-style building. Subsequently, his appearance has changed significantly. By the XV century, the castle was rebuilt in the Italian style, popular at that time in Germany.
Renaissance Renovation
In the years 1530-1558, the Dresden castle-residence experienced a significant reconstruction. It was begun by the Duke Georg the Bearded. The stone gate on the bridge over the Elbe is being rebuilt. They acquire a magnificent appearance and name "St. George's Gate".
The elector of Saxony Moritz, who wished to expand the castle, completed this reconstruction. To do this, they had to sacrifice the western wing, and the building that grew in its place was named Moritzbau. On the ground floor there was a special room equipped with blank walls, which served as a treasury.
As a result of the reconstruction, the area of the courtyard increased significantly. Now the Dresden Castle Residence has become a suitable venue for knightly tournaments.
The next restructuring took place at the beginning of the XVIII century. Its initiator was the Elector of Saxony Augustus the Strong. In 1701, the Dresden Castle was badly damaged due to a fire. Society was inclined to restore the lost buildings in the then fashionable Baroque style, but they did not change the Renaissance.
The current state of the castle
At the turn of the XIX-XX centuries, a large-scale restoration of the castle was completed. Mostly the southern sides were rebuilt. So, there was another building with a covered passage leading to the Tashenberg palace. It is made in neo-baroque style. Thus, the palace, where the royal family lived, received a direct connection with the castle. The gallery was subsequently called the "long aisle."
It was by 1901 that the kind of castle that we can see today was formed.
How to get to the sights in Dresden?
Today, one of the most popular tourist sites for travelers who come to Germany is the Dresden Castle Residence. Address at which the attraction is located:
Dresden city, Tashenberg, 2.
Today there is something to see. In addition to the unique medieval architecture that has survived to this day, there are also several museums located on the territory of the castle.
The most favorite among tourists - "Green Arches". Its main value is a huge pear-shaped diamond of emerald color. Its weight is 41 carats, or more than 8 grams in the usual system of measures. One of the owners of the castle - the Saxon Elector August III - bought it for money comparable to the amount that was spent on the construction of the cathedral in Dresden. At least there is such a legend.
About 10 years ago, royal treasures were also exhibited here, which had previously been carefully hidden from prying eyes. All this may surprise guests of the Dresden Castle Residence. Where is this unique attraction, we have already told. To quickly get to it by public transport, you should use the tram. There are a lot of routes that follow in that direction: No. 1, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12. Exit should be at the stop "Postal Square" or "Theater Square".
The main values of the Dresden Castle
Most tourists tend to Dresden to look not only at the famous castle, but also at the unique values that are stored in it. These are not only diamonds and treasures.
Its main attractions are the Watchtower, as well as the Tashenberg Palace and the court chapel. Unique medieval interiors have been preserved here, for example, the Numismatic cabinet, which was used by the Saxon electors.
Separately, it should be said about the collection of treasures. She is the richest in Europe. The Engraving Office and the Art Library, restored only in 2004, require special attention. By 2006, architects-restorers using old drawings completed the reconstruction of the Gallery of Princes, the English Steps and the Turkish Chamber.
Impressions of tourists
Everyone who has visited Germany and Dresden at least once is keen to share their feelings. After all, the main attraction of this trip is the Dresden Castle Residence. Traveler reviews about him are only admired.
Tourists note the cleanliness and order prevailing on German streets, and the delightful Gothic palace, which is simply mesmerizing. Many, when they learn the history of the castle, do not believe that such a difficult fate was in this building. Indeed, during the Second World War it was almost completely destroyed. The restoration of the castle with maximum historical authenticity took more than a dozen years. In some of its parts, restoration work continues today.
By the way, the cost of visiting the chambers and the castle museum in Dresden is very affordable - it starts from three euros. But for little money you can see the "Sistine Madonna". This is the most famous exhibit.
A ticket to the castle with an audio guide in Russian costs 12 euros. But for the money you yourself will learn the whole fascinating history of this building, slowly inspect buildings, towers and outbuildings.
A must-see destination for travelers in Germany is the Dresden Castle Residence. Reviews of tourists are only positive. Many people remember the mosaic panel depicting the rulers of Saxony, which is located on one of the streets adjacent to the castle. There you are prepared to meet with their main residence for a millennium.
From the observation tower offers a lovely view of the whole of Dresden. Just note: on Tuesdays there is a day off. So do not get in the way. All other museums in Dresden operate according to a more familiar schedule - with their only weekend on Monday.
The exposition, according to tourists, is large and interesting. Therefore, not even everyone has time to visit even part of the halls (for example, at least those that are included in the ticket for 10 euros). And they strive to come back again and again.