Dating back to 929, Meissen is one of the oldest German towns on our tour. Today this East German town has the populations is approximately 30,000.
As our ship entered Meissen, we were treated to this beautiful view of the Albrechtsburg Castle and the Gothic Meissen Cathedral. The castle is regarded as being the first castle to be used as a royal residence in the German-speaking world. Built between 1472 and 1525, it is a fine example of late Gothic style.
Meissen is famous for its porcelain. The Royal Porcelain Factory opened in 1710 and was the first high quality porcelain to be produced outside of the Orient. We toured the factory, but shied away from purchasing anything there as prices were sky high… The starting price for something as small as a thimble was 35 Euros or $50.
The construction of Meissen Cathedral began 1260 and finished in the 1400s on the same hill as the Albrechtsburg Castle.The church is known as being one of the most pure examples of Gothic architecture.
This is the view from outside the church looking down on the Elbe River and our ship. Rather than climbing the stairs up to the castle and church we took the funicular. My knee was very grateful.
After dinner tonight we were treated to a fun magic show. I was selected by the magician to be his assistant for one of the tricks… my one chance to be under the stage lights.
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