Zwinger

Situated across from the Dresden Castle and appearing more like a royal fortress, Zwinger Palace is a sprawling and ostentatious structure. It encloses a large courtyard, and together, the place served as an orangery, exhibition venue, festival and party area. The building is built in a mixed style, depicting largely Dresden style of Baroque architecture. The facades and the parapets on the terrace have elaborate sculptures and decoration and point to the utter indulgent and decadent purpose of the place. The building did suffer widespread damage during the bombings but was restored soon after the war. It has an eye-catching display of Meissen porcelain bells on top of one entrance while a hidden fountain in one corner is lovely for quiet evenings. Currently, it houses a series of museums such as the Old Masters’ Picture Gallery, the Dresden Porcelain Collection, and a collection of Royal instruments.