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Dresden, Germany: Swinging it at the Dresden Zwinger Palace

Perhaps the most famous building and attraction in Dresden!

The whole palace estate, which is composed of galleries and gardens was built in the early 1700’s by Augustus the Strong. It’s located in the core center of the Old Town across the Residenzschloss and beside the Opera Theater / Theaterplatz, very near the Elbe river waterfront.

This is a MUST SEE when visiting Dresden. What more, it is FREE to enter so there is nothing to lose except your time. Really worth it =)

The Dresden Zwinger Palace is all about Baroque splendor and pomposity. It’s that piece of historical architecture that would wow people and make mouths open and jaws drop. It really is beautiful.

It is free admission to the inner courtyard gardens and exterior pavilion premises which is very nice gesture of the local Dresden government. The palace and galleries though that house the museums and collections – the Old Masters Picture Gallery, Porcelain Collection, and the Royal Cabinet Mathematical and Physical Instruments are not free of charge.

Bubbles and I were mainly here to appreciate all the baroque history and glory so we didn’t check out the museums. We stuck to exploring the inner courtyard and exterior premises which are already a handful to see and experience.

There is a café on the top of the entrance across the Residenzschloss (Residence Palace) on Sophienstrasse. This is also the cashier and the information center. It’s a nice place to hang out with a cup of coffee and bask in the old world charm of Zwinger.

Similarly, the Dresden Zwinger Palace was in a desperate ruin state after the World War II. I have seen the pictures online and they were horrible. Reconstruction began in 1951 which was funded by the Soviet military and by 1963 the palace and its courtyard gardens were back to its pre-war state.

Trivia: How do you pronounce Dresden?
Answer: Dreys-den

I do not have much more to add but would suggest you visit the palace’s official page for more information: The Zwinger Palace in Dresden, Germany

The Zwinger Palace is a must visit and experience!

Check out my pictures below =)

This is the entrance gate on the Sophienstrasse, across the Residenzschloss.

The inner courtyard gardens of the Zwinger Palace.

The palace grounds and exterior areas are free to enter and enjoy.

The view on Sophienstrasse from the terrace of the Zwinger. We were here in early April which was still a bit cold so the cafe terrace scene is not yet totally open.

A passing touristy scene. Yup, you need those fleece plaids to cover your legs because the windchill is not that friendly at all.

This is the cafe which has a terrace at the top of the entrace gate on Sophienstrasse. This is the information center and where you will pay for the entrance to the museum as well.

Zwinger Palace grounds.

A view to Theaterplatz beside the palace and this is the gallery wing to the museums.

On the top pillars of the palace are these very amusing facial details of 3 half-naked men, hehe.

There are ponds as well in the inner courtyard gardens. They are called Nymph baths.

The Kronentor entrance on the Ostra-Allee.

On the Ostra-Allee side of the palace which has an outer garden park and a moat.

Travel Period: April 2017
Destination: Dresden (Saxony), Germany

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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)

All pictures were taken by a point and shoot pocket camera or a smartphone.

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