The excursion
The half-day excursion on Wednesday afternoon will take us to the city of Meissen. With a history dating back more than one thousand years, Meissen is the perfect place to discover past epochs of not only Saxon History but also the history of the Holy Roman Empire. Most impressive is the mighty ensemble of the Albrechtsburg Castle and the Meissen Cathedral on the hill above the Old Town.
The Albrechtsburg Castle is considered as being the first castle to be used as royal residence in the German speaking world. Built between 1472 and 1525, it is a fine example of late Gothic style, whereas the Cathedral, a pure sacred building, refers to Mid-Gothic style.
All over the world, Meissen is famous for the manufacturing of its Meissen
Porcelain – some of the most precious handmade porcelain. The "Crossed
blue swords" are one of the oldest known trademarks. Used since 1722,
they refer to the swords of the Saxonian arms.
Still today – nearly three centuries after the discovery of the
white, European hard porcelain - the traditional manufacturing methods
of Meissen Porcelain are practiced in the areas of forming, shaping and
decorating. In the Schauhalle (porcelain museum) which hosts an extensive
collection of porcelain models, you will be able to take a closer look
at the manufacturing process, including the impressive hand-painting of
porcelain.
Still having some time to spare, one should take a leisurley stroll through the medieval streets with its old patrician houses accommodating small shops, cafes, and wine cellars.
Afterwards, a short bus transfer will take us to "Schloss Wackerbarth"
situated on the Saxon Wine Trail, in the heart of Germany’s smallest
winery district along the Elbe valley, which is also the one located at
the most north-easterly point in Europe. Vines have been cultivated for
over 800 years in this weather-blessed part of Saxony with its impressive
landscape and Mediterranean charm. We will take a break to have some wine
and will finish our trip with a dinner in the contemplative ambience of
Saxony's oldest sparkling wine cellars, formerly used by August the Strong
for lavish celebrations.
Schloss Wackerbarth
Castle Albrechtsburg
