Dresden Royal Palace, or Residenzschloss, stands at the heart of the Altstadt and was the residence of Saxony’s electors and kings for centuries. Its mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture reflects the ambitions of a court that helped shape Dresden’s cultural life. Severely damaged in the 1945 bombing, the palace has since been painstakingly reconstructed.
The palace’s best-known attraction is the Green Vault, a treasury of extraordinary jewellery, carved ivory, amber and precious metalwork. The Historic Green Vault recreates Augustus the Strong’s lavish Baroque display rooms, while the New Green Vault presents individual masterpieces in modern showcases. Elsewhere, the Turkish Chamber and the Giant’s Hall reveal the court’s fascination with Ottoman art, armour and ceremonial display.
Allow several hours for the Dresden Royal Palace rather than trying to see everything in a quick stop. Book the Historic Green Vault in advance, as it requires a separate timed-entry ticket, and check current opening days before visiting. The palace is an easy addition to a walk through the historic centre, close to the Zwinger and Semperoper.