Royal Palace

The vast palace is located in the heart of historic dresden and comprises several wings in different architectural styles.

The original palace, which was expanded in renaissance style between 1548 and 1556, was destroyed by fire in 1701. It was soon rebuilt by Augustus the Strong, at that time Elector of Saxony. The palace was expanded most recently between 1889 and 1901 marking the 800th anniversary of the Wettin Dynasty.

Like all landmarks in Dresden, the Royal Palace was destroyed in 1945. Reconstruction as a museum complex started in 1989. Several wings already opened but other parts are still being renovated; the whole complex is expected to be opened in time for Dresden's 800th anniversary in 2006. The Green Vault, one of Europe's most magnificent treasure chambers with some 3,000 treasures will open in September 2006.

The oldest part of the Royal Palace is the Georgenbau, a beautiful sandstone building in renaissance style. The building features the Hausmann Tower, from where visitors have a great view over Dresden's historic center. When coming from the Augustus bridge across the Schlossplatz you can enter the sprawling complex through one of the three portals of the Georgenbau.

The inner courtyard has the most beautiful facade of the Royal Palace. Recently renovated, it is decorated in splendid white sgrafitto on a gray background. Other notable parts of the palace include the Royal Mews and the Procession of Princes/Dukes.