Meissen – Saxony’s Cradle and a Perfect Market Town
Dominated by the Albrechtsburg and its looming cathedral towers, the small market town of Meissen cuts an impressive figure. Yet outside of this grandiosity, the picturesque old town streets and market atmosphere will easily charm you, to company your awe. This was the prime city of Saxony in the medieval period before the emergence of nearby Dresden!
Although it is lesser known then some of the other Saxon cities, this it is surely a place worthy of your time.
Table of Contents
- Geography
- A Brief History
- Things to do in Meissen
- Staatliche Porzellan (Porcelain Manifactury)
- Conclusion
Geography
Located downstream of Dresden on the mighty Elbe River, in the north west quadrant of Saxony.
A Brief History
West Slavic Settlement, Early Germans, and Poles
Originally conceived as a small west Slavic settlement by the Glomatians as the town of Misni, Meissen would gain importance under the German King Henry the Fowler, who would founded the current city in 929 A.D. Its importance is marked by the fact that only a few decades later the city became a bishopric and the seat of a bishop.
The market town was capture by the poles in 1002 but quickly retaken by the Germans. The poles would fail to retake the city in 1015. By 1089 the city was part of the realm of the House of Wettin, the famed family of Saxon Electors.
Mongols, the Saxon House of Wettin and the Medieval Period
In 1241 the Mongols took the town in a raid, pulverizing it, but withdrew after the death of their Khan. After the raid the old Slavic lands of eastern Germany were intensively populated with Germans during the Ostsiedlung. The next two centuries sees the city rebuild and reach its zenith, with much of its gothic architecture being constructed. This rapid growth is reflected in the fact that in 1423 Meissen became capital of the Electorate of Saxony. It would lose that title to Dresden in 1464.
Quest to German Statehood and the Modern Era
The years after its loss of status saw the city stagnate. It did however experience a brief revival in the 18th century when it became the home of the royal porcelain factory that manufactured Meissen China, this will be discussed further down.
The Battle of Meissen of the Third Silesian War took place here in 1759, resulting in an Austrian victory over the Prussian army.
During the Second World War a concentration sub-camp was opened nearby.
Today the city is a popular tourism site.
Things to do in Meissen
Explore the East Bank of the River
There is little to do on this side of the river but there is train station is here. Although more suburban and residential you could walk along Großenhainer to see some typical examples of 19th and early 20th century architecture. There is a beer garden and a few bars on this street if you need to kill time waiting for the train.
Explore the West Bank of the River
There is also a train station on this side of the river. This is the touristic center of the city.
Meissen Cathedral, Wine and Amtsgericht Castle
This massive castle on a hill above the river literally cannot be missed. Considered to be one of the oldest in Germany it was built to subdue the native Slavs. It was the home of the Margraves of Meissen. What you see today largely dates from the late 15th century when a palace was erected over the old castle. The cathedral for its part dates from 1260 with its completion happening in 1410. Due to the limited amount of space, the church is relatively small for a cathedral but its elevation helps it stand out!
On the slopes of castle hill you will find grape vines. Wine growing has long been a Saxon tradition.
Old Town and Market Square
The old town is full of beautiful gothic buildings and two main squares. The first of which is Heinrichsplatz.
At the center of this space is a statue of King Heinrich I and a medieval church now serving as the city museum.
The second square is Marktplatz, or market square. At its western extent you will find the domed St. Afra’s church, a church that looks like no other in the city.
To the north you will find the old Rathouse (City hall). If you need any information keep an eye out for the tourism office
Otherwise just enjoy the beautiful old town! Its a charming place where you can easily loose yourself in its streets.
Staatliche Porzellan (Porcelain Manifactury)
A museum dedicated to the manufacturing of Meissen China, the first European hard-paste porcelain. To protect the reputation of its products the Meissen factory created one of the oldest trademarks in the world, its signature logo of the crossed swords.
Today the grounds of this estate are open to those seeking to learn more about one Saxony’s claims to fame.
Conclusion
Sitting on the banks of the Elbe river, it is possible to imagine what this city would have been like in the medieval period and in here lies the city’s charm. Its lack of growth has allowed it to keep a charm and elegance seldom afforded to those cities whom fate has allowed to balloon to an unprecedented size. Enjoy the view!
