Overview

Overview of the Dresden Zwinger

The Wall Pavilion, the Nymphs’ Bath, the Arched Gallery – the architectural details of the Zwinger are as gorgeous as they are overwhelming in their diversity. We can let you know what you should pay special attention to. On our Dresden Zwinger Site Map you can see where the most important parts of the Zwinger are located.

The Crown Gate

The most well-known entrance to the Zwinger is its Crown Gate. In terms of architecture, it adopts the style of Italian High Baroque. At its top, four Polish eagles carry the replica of the Polish royal crown that Augustus the Strong was wearing from 1697 to 1704.

The Nymphs' Bath

The Nymphs’ Bath lies hidden in the fortification wall behind the French Pavilion. Sculptor Balthasar Permoser had a substantial share in the design of this piece of trick fountain. It is regarded to be one of Europe’s most beautiful Baroque water features.

The Semper Wing

Die Elbe River side of the Zwinger remained open and undeveloped for long. Augustus the Strong planned to extend the estate down to the Elbe River bank ‒ which, however, remained his idea due to his financial situation It was only in 1855 that this part for the picture gallery closed by a building designed by Gottfried Semper. His two-floor building in the style of Italian High Renaissance with plastic decorations made bay several sculptors matches the architectural rhythm of the court-side Zwinger façade. Up to our day, the Semper Wing has been home of the »Old Masters« Picture Gallery.

The Glockenspiel Pavilion

Until 1933, the Glockenspiel Pavilion was called Town Pavilion for its position facing the town. It was only then that the glockenspiel was attached above Sophy’s Gate. Between 1933 and 1935, a simple monumental clock was added, so that at every quarter of an hour tunes are sounded, which were composed for that particular purpose by Professor Guenter Schwarze in 1994. In addition to that and depending on the season, well-known tunes can be heard at fixed times of the day.