Zwinger, Baroque palace in Dresden, Germany
The Zwinger is a Baroque palace in Dresden with ornately designed pavilions, courtyards, and fountains arranged with strict symmetry and stone sculptures throughout the grounds. The complex houses several art museums, including the Old Masters Picture Gallery, the Mathematics-Physics Salon, and an extensive porcelain collection.
The Zwinger was built between 1710 and 1728 under Prince Augustus the Strong and initially served as an orangery and festival venue. Architect Gottfried Semper later added the gallery wing in the 18th century to convert the ensemble into an art museum.
The name originates from a medieval German term for an area between fortifications, though the building never had a military function. Visitors today encounter collections like the Old Masters Picture Gallery and Porcelain Collection, which transform the space into a place for viewing art and craftsmanship.
The location sits in the heart of Dresden's city center and is easily reached on foot, with several entrances distributed around the complex. The best time to visit is early morning or on weekdays when fewer people are around.
During World War II the Zwinger suffered severe damage, yet post-war reconstruction restored it to its original appearance. This renewal makes it a symbol of resilience and rebuilding in Germany's modern history.
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