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.
Tunes of the Meissen Porcelain Glockenspiel
Spring
- 10:15am
Antonio Vivaldi (1678 - 1741)
»Spring« from the »Four Seasons«
- 02:15pm
Carl Maria von Weber (1786 - 1826)
»We wind round thee the bridal wreath« from „The Marksman«
- 06:15pm
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791)
2nd movement from »A Little Serenade«
Summer
- 10:15am
Antonio Vivaldi (1678 - 1741)
»Summer« from the »Four Seasons«
- 02:15pm
Johann Adolf Hasse (1699 -1783)
»Country Dance« (originally for violin and basso continuo)
- 06:15pm
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791)
»Forever true and honest be«, tune from »The Magic Flute«
- 10:15pm
»There is no land more beautiful«
Fall
- 10:15am
Antonio Vivaldi (1678 - 1741)
»Fall« from the »Four Seasons«
- 02:15pm
Richard Wagner (1813 - 1883)
»Norwegian Sailors’ Chorus« from »The Flying Dutchman«
- 06:15pm
Carl Maria von Weber (1786 - 1826)
»Huntsmen’s Chorus« from »The Marksman«
Winter
- 10:15am
Antonio Vivaldi (1678 - 1741)
»Winter« from the »Four Seasons«
- 02:15pm
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 -1750)
»Pastorale« from the »Christmas Oratorio«
- 06:15pm
Engelbert Humperdinck (1854 - 1921)
»Evening Prayer« from »Hansel and Gretel«
The glockenspiel is not played between January 6 to Wednesday before Easter.
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.
