Pirna: a picture-perfect setting for your holidays
Between Dresden and Saxon Switzerland, the Elbe Valley is particularly picturesque with green hills complementing light sandstone. The small town of Pirna lies in the middle of this enchanting scenery and the Painters‘ Way, one of Germany’s most beautiful hiking trails, leads right through it. Its market square was made world-famous by the Venetian painter Bernardo Bellotto, better known as Canaletto, who captured it on canvas in 1853. Fun fact: the citizens of Pirna get together once a year to recreate the painting!
All around the market square, Pirna’s historic town centre is full of pretty houses with courtyards to be discovered and architectural details such as oriels and gables to be admired. Take your time to explore shops, cafés, and restaurants, and don’t miss highlights such as the town hall, the Canaletto House, and St. Mary’s Church, which is full of architectural treasures.
