A list of cultural treasures in Saxony would be very long. The Church of Our Lady and the Semper Opera House in Dresden, the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig, Moritzburg Castle, Königstein Fortress, the Bach Museum in Leipzig, Dresden‘s Zwinger and so much more. Saxony can look back on a thousand years of cultural history, which means that travellers are really spoilt for choice. Immerse yourself in the region’s music, art and architecture and just enjoy Saxony’s cultural delights!
Culture galore
Special experiences in Saxony
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„Culture does not fall into our laps like a ripe fruit. The tree must be conscientiously nurtured if it is to bear fruit.”
Albert Schweitzer (1875 - 1965), German-French doctor, theologian, musician and cultural philosopher, Nobel Peace Prize 1952
Saxony’s cultural treasures
Cultural facts and figures for Saxony
1000 years
of cultural history in Saxony
4000
cultural sites
600
artists
Event highlight 2024: 250th anniversary of Caspar David Friedrich
Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840) spent most of his life in Dresden. He travelled extensively in Saxony, preparing sketches and watercolours in his Dresden studio that became masterpieces. In total, he created 150 paintings. Always out and about on foot, he was a kind of early "slow traveller", with a keen eye for nature that his imagination translated into great works of art. Often misunderstood during his lifetime, Caspar David Friedrich is today regarded as the most important German painter of the Romantic period. His most famous painting is probably "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog" (Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer), which was inspired by the wildly romantic landscape of Saxon Switzerland.
Top 3 cultural highlights in Meissen:
Albrechtsburg Castle is the town's landmark and considered to be the oldest residential castle in Germany. Throughout the centuries, Meissen’s history has been closely linked to the Saxon electors. In 1423, the town became a royal seat and is therefore seen as the cradle of Saxony. The mighty Gothic cathedral next to the castle also reminds of this time.
Church of Our Lady in Meissen: This late Gothic hall church was mostly built in the 15th century and features the world’s first playable glockenspiel made of Meissen Porcelain® which was installed here in the 20th century. The church tower is great for views across the town!
Meissen Porcelain Factory: The foundation for “Meissen” becoming a household name around the world was laid in 1709 when Augustus the Strong founded the Meissen Porcelain Factory as the first of its kind in Europe. Today, the MEISSEN® trademark with the two crossed blue swords stands for the finest porcelain creations. Don’t miss visiting the factory’s workshops for fascinating insights into a 300-year-old craft!