Augustus the Strong, born in 1670, took to the throne at the age of 24 after the death of his brother. Under his rule, the royal seat of Dresden developed a Europe-wide reputation as a centre of art and culture. The city's cosmopolitan art and cultural scene brought with it a number of magnificent baroque buildings. Augustus the Strong died in Warsaw in 1733.

In 1706 the Saxon Elector Augustus the Strong presented his beloved, the Countess of Cosel, with a little palace that also included an estate and vineyard. The dynamic regent then had Pillnitz Palace and Park converted into a splendid venue for extravagant festivities by his architect, Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann. Pillnitz is a delightful amalgamation of romantic river and vineyard scenery, an idyllic park and a trio of fascinating and unique buildings. But the most beautiful aspect of Pillnitz is its park, which has remained true to its original design as a pleasure garden. Despite being continually altered down the years, the 28-hectare grounds have lost nothing of their former splendour and stand as a vibrant and delightful monument to landscape gardening over the centuries.
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Just like Pillnitz Palace and park, Augustus the Strong had the baroque Zwinger Palace built by the architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann. This fantastic “dream in sandstone” houses the acclaimed Old Masters Gallery and there has been a porcelain museum in the side wing since 1962. A beautiful dinner service from the palace's illustrious past is one of its finest exhibits.
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Grosssedlitz is one of Germany's finest and most unusual garden compositions. Landscaping began in 1719, and after Augustus the Strong took such a delight in the gardens he bought the site in 1723. He then had them extensively converted according to his own designs in the French style. Special features include the Upper and Lower Orangery and the original sandstone sculptures from the Permoser school.
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Moritzburg Palace is one of the most impressive baroque palaces in central Europe. Reached via a tree-lined avenue, it is situated on an island in the middle of a lake. After visiting the palace, you can enjoy a romantic stroll to the enchanting Fasanenschlösschen (little pheasant castle) built in the rococo style.
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Even the writer Heinrich von Kleist was distracted from his reading here as he “looked down from the high banks into the wonderful Elbe Valley below”. With its huge flight of steps leading down from the palace square, also known as the “balcony of Europe”, it attracts visitors from all over the world and offers stunning views of the cathedral and the famous Semper Opera House as far as Dresden's Neustadt district.
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Meissen's famous landmark sits in splendour overlooking the town, which is famous for its porcelain. Built in the 15th century, it is considered to be Germany's earliest example of a purely residential castle. Alongside the impressive cathedral, the castle ward also features the “Grand Staircase”, a semi-open spiral stairwell that is unsurpassed in terms of artistry and scale.
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