Zwinger Castle

Construction of the Zwinger began in 1709 under the reign of Elector Frederick Augustus I, known as Augustus the Strong. It was intended as a representative festive venue and orangery, designed to form the forecourt of a planned, larger palace that would extend to the Elbe River. Under the direction of architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann and sculptor Balthasar Permoser, an opulent building complex with richly decorated pavilions and galleries was created. After the death of Augustus the Strong, plans for the larger palace were abandoned, and the Zwinger initially lost its significance. It was not until the 19th century that architect Gottfried Semper completed it towards the Elbe with the Semper Gallery. This gallery, opened in 1855, allowed for the expansion of the Zwinger's museum use. During the air raids on Dresden in February 1945, the Zwinger was severely damaged but was rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s.

The palace is located in Dresden's Old Town, within the city area of Dresden in Saxony, Germany, at an elevation of approximately 99 m above sea level.

Today, the Dresden Zwinger primarily serves as a museum complex. It houses the famous Old Masters Picture Gallery, the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments, and the Porcelain Collection. Its original function as a festive area is still maintained through music and theater events.

• Taschenbergpalais (Residence), approx. 0.2 km away
• Dresden Royal Palace (Palace), approx. 0.2 km away
• Catholic Cathedral (Sacred Building), approx. 0.2 km away
• Basteischlösschen (Palace), approx. 0.3 km away