Residenzschloss

(AKA Dresden Royal Palace, Dresden Castle)

The Residenzschloss is a historic palace located in Dresden, Germany. It has a rich history dating back to the medieval times. The original palace was built around 1200 and served as the residence of the ruling Wettin dynasty, who were the electors and later kings of Saxony. Over the centuries, the palace underwent numerous expansions, reconstructions, and renovations, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles. The palace was heavily damaged during the allied bombings in World War II and is still being reconstructed today.

The Residenzschloss’s architecture is a testament to the different periods it has witnessed. It originally started as a medieval fortress, but over time, it was transformed into a Renaissance palace with beautiful courtyards, towers, and ornate facades. One of the most notable features is the Stallhof, a large Renaissance-era courtyard that hosts various events and exhibitions. The palace also includes the Georgenbau, a Baroque wing, and the Hausmannsturm, a tower that offers panoramic views of Dresden.

Museums:
Today, the Residenzschloss is home to a collection of world-class museums that showcase a diverse range of art, history, and culture:

• Green Vault (Grünes Gewölbe): This museum is renowned for its exquisite collection of precious objects, including jewelry, sculptures, decorative arts, and more. Divided into the Historic Green Vault and the New Green Vault, it showcases the opulence of the Saxon monarchs.
• Historical and New Green Vault: These museums are known for their stunning displays of intricate treasures, including ornate jewelry, gem-studded objects, and intricate carvings. The Historical Green Vault presents items from the 16th to 18th centuries, while the New Green Vault houses items from the 18th century onwards.
• Armory (Rüstkammer): The Armory museum exhibits an impressive collection of arms, armor, and ceremonial attire. It provides insight into the military and courtly history of Saxony, showcasing suits of armor, weaponry, and other artifacts.
• Turkish Chamber (Türckische Cammer): This museum focuses on the Oriental art collection, with a wide array of artifacts acquired through diplomatic contacts with the Ottoman Empire. The collection includes textiles, ceramics, arms, and other items.
• Coin Cabinet (Münzkabinett): Here, you can explore a comprehensive collection of coins, medals, and monetary history from different eras. The collection offers insights into economic and cultural developments.

Visiting the Residenzschloss allows you to delve into the history and artistry of Dresden’s past, while also enjoying the architectural marvels that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or simply appreciate stunning architecture, the Residenzschloss offers a memorable experience for visitors.

---

Visit Notes

We bought our ticket to the Royal Palace in advance online simply to make things easier on the day of our visit. The ticket is valid for everything but the Historic Green Vault, for that you need a separate, timed ticket. If you are planning to visit the Historic Green Vault, I do recommend buying your ticket in advance. They even have special evening hours for the Historic Green Vault.

I chose Dresden as a stop on our trip specifically for the museums, so our day at the Royal Palace was wonderful. It does take a lot of time to get through everything if you are stopping and enjoying the exhibits. It worked out well for us, as it was raining the day of our visit. I found the exhibits to be interesting and varied. Definitely worth a visit.

For those of you who enjoy taking a lot of pictures, please note that there is no photography allowed in the Historic Green Vault. You can, however, take pictures in the rest of the museum.

---

---

Photos