I visited Germany multiple times between 1998 and 2011 for business trips as my ex-employer’s world headquarter is in Waldorf, 10 KM south of Heidelberg. During my visit to Germany in 2011, I decided to take a road trip to Wroclaw, Poland, driving through former East Germany, visiting Erfurt, Leipzig, Dresden and Meissen.
Meissen, with its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and gothic castle overlooking the Elbe river, is a picturesque town in Saxony, sometimes referred to as the ‘Cradle of Saxony’. Meissen, set in the former East Germany, dates back to a 10th century Slavic settlement and later became famous for its rich porcelain industry.
Pictures below are from my half a day visit to this beautiful city.
Welcome to Meissen! A beautiful manhole cover with city’s Coat of Arms.Market Square, the cobblestone square is the heart of historic Meissen, and it’s also home to several nice cafes that are especially alluring when the weather is warm and you can sit outside.The 57-meter tower of the Frauenkirche in Meissen’s old market offers a great view over the city. This Late Gothic-style church was first founded in 1205 and rebuilt in 1450 after a fire. The tower has the world’s first porcelain carillon, created in 1929 for the town’s 1,000-year jubilee.Meissen City Hall, built in the 15th century, and other historic buildings on the Market Square.Exploring the old town of Meißen.Exploring the old town of Meißen.Exploring the old town of Meißen.A newly married couple leaving the Meissen City Hall on their motorcycle. A beautiful building with restaurant on the ground floor near Burgberg (castle hill).If you don’t want to climb the hill for Albrechtsburg, a funicular with panoramic view eases the ascent to the castle.The Albrechtsburg, a Late Gothic and early Renaissance castle erected from 1471 till about 1495. Albrechtsburg Castle is considered the oldest castle in Germany. Over 1,000 years ago, the castle was just a wooden fortress built on top of a hill overlooking the Elbe river and valley.Meissen Cathedral (Meißner Dom), a 13th century Gothic church situated on the castle hill of Meissen, adjacent to the Albrechtsburg castle and forms a critical centerpiece of the iconic Meissen skyline overlooking the River Elbe in the valley below. The pair of 81 meter high Neo-Gothic spires, critical to the Meissen skyline, were actually only added 1903 to 1909.One of the Colorful side entrance to Meissen Cathedral (Meißner Dom).A view from the Castle Hill.Enjoying locally brewed Meissner Pils beer from Schwerter Brauerei, Saxony’s oldest private brewery with over 560 years of history.
After this road trip, I drove back to Heidelberg, Germany for another week of Business Meetings.
In May 2017, 23 days before I was going to complete 50 years, grabbed an opportunity and took an early retirement.. Picked up a backpack and traveling ever since.. Love to travel around the world, experience different culture, local cuisine & drinks .. and take pictures.. so far been to 108 countries and still counting...
Window on the World 