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The skyline created by Meissen’s massive Albrechtsburg
castle and ancient twin-spired cathedral towering high
above the River Elbe and the beautiful unspoilt
mediaeval town below must be one of the most dramatic in
the whole of Central Europe. When, in 1707, King
Augustus the Strong’s alchemist Böttger succeeded in
creating European porcelain, instead of the gold which
had been his original intention, the King had the huge
castle converted into a porcelain manufactory, which it
remained for decades. Saxony’s renowned “white gold” is
now made in the Triebischtal just outside town, and
visitors may watch the various stages of production, and
visit a valuable historic collection of porcelain as
well.
Meissen also lies in the heart of one of Europe’s most
northerly wine producing areas, and visitors can choose
from a number of delightful and historic wine-taverns in
the picturesque lanes of the Old Town or in the wine
villages along the Elbe. |
