Meißen Things to Do

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In the 18th century the art of making porcelain inspired by the pieces from China started in Meißen. Till 1863 the Meißen Albrechtsburg was the location for the experiments to refine the production and to master the art of shaping, hardening, colouring and decoration of the porcelain.
In 1720 a National Porcelain Industry was grounded called "Königlich-Polnische und Kurfürstlich-Sächsische Porzellan-Manufaktur". In 1806 the company went over in the hands of the treasury and was called "Königlich-Sächsische Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen" thereafter. In 1918 the name was changed into "Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen".
During the DDR period the company became a Volkseigener Betrieb (VEB) and after the "Wende" the company is property of the Freistaat Saksen and called "Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen GmbH".

The company logo are 2 crossed swords (first used in 1731); its world-wide trademark.

The Manafaktur has a demonstration section where several steps in the porcelain production process are highlighted and demonstrated. There is a big porcelain exhibition, partly fixed and partly special exhibition.

There's a porcelain boutique, an outlet store and a souvenir shop.

Furthermore there's a cantine and a restaurant.

Admittance: € 8.50 (adult).

Business hours:
Summer:
Mo-Su: 9AM - 6PM
Winter:
Mo-Su: 9AM - 5PM

The Albrechtsburg Castle was constructed in the 15th century and its the oldest German castle.

The "White Gold" or porcelain from Meißen is legendary. The castle was the location were the first experiments to manafucture local porcelain took place. Thereafter for more than 150 years the procuction was concentrated at the Albrechtsburg Castle.

Admission fee: Euro 8.00 (Adult)

Summer visiting hours:
Daily: 10AM - 6PM

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The porcelain manufacture and museum is a must see. 27 km south of Dresden .there are signs on road leading to the factory ,The parking lot is 200 m up on the street on the left side ( 1 euro per hour )When u get ticket for the guided tour ask for earphones for your preferred language. The tour passes in different rooms where u can see demonstration by workers how they make the porcelain and paintings ,then go up to museum it is worth see.

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The old parsonage, an impressive house opposite the entrance to the churchyard, was built around 1535. The building complex is still inhabited by the parson of the church.

A pretty detail: the renaissance oriel on the corner, high above the street.

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Afraberg is the nearest hilltop southwest of Burgberg. Leave Burgberg through the gate tower and follow the winding street on the big wall. After some bends you are facing the pale yellow choir facade of the church.
Alternative: climb the stairway behind the Church of Our Lady in marekt square.

The church was built around 1300, two chapels were donated by noble families and added in the 15th century. Altar and pulpit date around 1660. The church was closed when I pased so I cannot tell much about the interior. The location on the hilltop overlooking the old town, the surrounding churchyard and the ensemble of historical buildings were nevertheless worth the visit.

The settlement on Afraberg enjoyed certain privileges, including freedom of taxes. Noble families, clerics and high-ranking court servants were living here in the late middle ages and 16th century. This explains the impressive houses that assemble around the church, including the old parsonage (see following tip).

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The museum uses the church and cloister buildings of the former Franciscan monastery. Seeing the architecture is already worth a visit. The museum shows a small permanent exhibition on the history of Meißen, the cloister with a collection of tombstones, and changing temporary exhibitions.
When we visited they had, for Christmas, an exhibition of stuffed animals from Kösen manufacture and teddy bear scenes from a private collection (see the first two travelogues) - it was simply adorable.

Opening hours: daily 11-17
Entrance fee: adults 3 €, concessions 2 €, photo permission 1.50(?) €

The small square in front of the church was named after Emperor Heinrich I, the founder of the castle and town, whose statue is displayed in the middle.

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Market square is the centre of the old town. One side of the square is entirely occupied by the town hall, built in the late 15th century. The city parish church of Our Lady turns its choir towards the square.

Among the historical buildings around the square, note the renaissance Pharmacy (Marktapotheke) on the eastern corner, the Bennohaus, partly Romeanesque and named after its owner Bishop Benno, and the other renaissance and neo-renaissance facades.

Two usefuil addresses: The house Marktplatz 3 hosts the tourist information. Next to it on the right you find public toilets (fee for usage: 50 cents).

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Meißen has a pretty old town. It is hard to name the most beautiful spots. Walk around, and explore. Strolling the lanes and the stairways on the hillside aimlessly is the best way to find romantic views.

From the train station you will reach market square first when crossing the Elbe on the big bridge. This lower part is rather flat, with houses of wealthy citizens. The streets around the square have many little shops, including some that sell woodcarvings, china and other regional souvenirs.

Towards Burgberg and Afraberg be prepared for steep rising cobblestone streets and even stairways. It really does not matter much which of these you choose for the ascent. They are all pretty. The houses further up mostly have gardens, new views open up towards cathedral and castle and over the old town behind every bend and every building.

More photos in the travelogues!