The castle-palace of Pillnitz, Schloss Pillnitz in German, was built as a country residence for the monarchs of the Wettin dynasty. This dynasty ruled Saxony for a long time, and this happened when Saxony was an independent and powerful state in Germany. But if at that time Pillnitz was located outside the city, today it is located almost in the center of Dresden, on the banks of the Elbe River. In the 17th century the castle lost its military purpose and Elector Johann Georg IV bought it and gave it to his beloved, Countess von Rochlitz. Later, Augustus the Strong decided to change the architectural concept of the complex and thoroughly rebuild it. He wanted the castle to become a real palace - brighter and more cheerful. This is how the idea of creating a “Chinese style” castle was born.
It was in fashion then, and the new elector was inclined to the modern trends of the time. This gave a good result, although it must be said that the castle does not have a specific style. This is a mixture of Baroque, classicism and new oriental style.
The following picture clearly shows that Pillnitz consists of three palaces.
The first one is “Water Palace”. It was built in 1721-1722. The steps lead directly to the Elbe River. This is probably where the name comes from.
There was once a small pier here. A Venetian gondola floated down the river for the king and nobles to escape the summer heat.
The second is “Mountain Palace”. It was built in 1722-1723.
The 500-meter long chestnut alley connecting these two palaces is noteworthy.
In the 19th century, a third palace was added to connect the first two:
The new palace houses a functioning Catholic chapel. Its walls and ceiling are painted by Carl Christian Vogel.
There is a Chinese house on the territory of the complex. Tea ceremonies were held here:
The pride of Pillnitz Park is the Japanese camellia, which is more than 230 years old.
It was brought here in 1776 in a pot and planted in this place by the gardener of the royal court Tershitsky. Every year from October to May, she is kept in a 13-meter glass and steel greenhouse to protect her from the cold. Camellia flowering time is February-April. At this time, the onc is covered with approximately 35 thousand pink flowers.
In Pillnitz you can also see the Palm House, a fountain, English and Chinese gardens and pavilions, as well as two museums: the Hall of History and Folk Crafts of Pillnitz Castle.
For better orientation, I offer you a diagram of the castle-palace and park of Pillnitz:
Address of the Pillnitz Palace and Park: August-Böckstiegel-Straße 2.
To get there, take tram No. 2 or bus No. 63, 88, stop Pillnitzer Platz or Leonardo-da-Vinci-Straße.
The entrance ticket to the museum and park is 8 euros, children under 16 years old have free admission.
For detailed information, see the official website: schlosspillnitz.de/en/home.
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