Mmmmmm Meissen!

As you probably all noted, my only negative opinion about Prague was the teaming crowds of tourists. The trip to the city of Meissen made me realize just how beautiful a medieval city can be without all the throngs of people. Meissen was just perfect: much more personal, just as rich architecturally, and just as steeped in history.

As we left the station and walked towards the city, our heads simultaneously looked skyward and saw the magnificent Albrechtsburg that dominates the hillside. Construction of the castle began in 1471 and in 1710 the famous Meissen porcelain began to be manufactured in a section of the castle. The manufactory remained there until it moved to its present location in 1863.To the rear of the castle you can see the Meissen Dom, a wonderful example of Gothic architecture.
We all joined the short line to purchase a ticket to view all the historical buildings in the town. We had been assured by Dr. Gommlich that we would get a half-price ticket if we showed our University of Dresden student ID and this time it worked--no age discrimination in Germany. (Unlike Prague where I got to the front of the long line to be told that I was not eligible for the student rate, even though I am a bona fide registered student at TUD, because I am slightly over the age of 26!!).
We were assured by our wonderful tour guide that it was mandatory to take part in a private wine-tasting in a little wine restaurant in the town, prior to our hike up the steep cobbled streets to the Dom and Albrechtsburg. We each took one glass of the local white wine from the tray and headed to the back of the restaurant where there was a lovely terrace. Fortunately, there were just enough tables and chairs for our little group and we sat outside, surrounded by vines, hydrangeas, roses, and geraniums, and enjoyed our chilled wine before completing our journey.

The Meissen Dom was built between the years of 1260 and 1410 and had the two spires added in the beginning of 20th Century. The inside is very beautiful and we discovered that there are services there every Sunday at noon, and organ recitals every weekday at noon. I am hoping to be able to listen to one of the recitals and perhaps attend a Sunday service there. It will all depend on whether we are given any free time between now and the end of our stay.

Our next stop was inside the Albrechtsburg which contains a wealth of historical objects and I came out of it suffering from information overload. Sadly, there was an added cost to take photos inside, and so I cannot show you any examples of the ornately painted interior walls. You will just have to accept my word that they were magnificent, or find the webpage and check if it shows any photos of the interior.
By the time we came out it was already early evening, so we headed down to the main square to find a place to eat.

Let's just say that Meissen holds a very special place in my heart and it is definitely "aufwiedersehen" because I WILL return!