That the town is worthy of such a name is clearly seen in its buildings - records of stone which bear witness to the different epochs of not only Saxon history but also the history of the Holy Roman Empire with Germany at its centre.
This is manifest, for example, in the mighty ensemble of Albrechtsburg Castle and Meissen Cathedral on the hill above the town. With the romantic silhouette of the roofs of the Old Town below it, the hill offers a magnificent panorama and has become a favourite subject for photographers from the banks of the Elbe.

Long ago, in the Middle Ages, the Wettin Princes became the margraves of Meissen, thus marking the beginning of Saxon history. Albrechtsburg Castle is regarded as being the first castle to be used a royal residence in the Germanspeaking world; built between 1472 and 1525, it is a fine example of late Gothic style. Today the castle, the former residence of the House of Wettin, is a museum which is just as popular with visitors as the cathedral, whose architecture is pure Gothic and whose Princes`Chapel is one of the most famous burial places of the Wettin family.

Equally imposing is the view from the 57-metre high tower of the Frauenkirche ( Church of Our Lady ), situated in the old market-place.
From here, the visitor will be tempted to take a leisurely stroll through the narrow medieval streets, with their quiet squares and steep flights of steps, past century -old patrician houses which today accomodate small shops, cafes and wine cellars.

Castle-Steps to the Albrechtsburg
Histor. photo, about 1911,
Archives by art publishers Brück & Sohn

City of Meissen