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Monument · Dresden, Saxônia
Fürstenzug
A panel of roughly 102 metres made from about 23,000 Meissen porcelain tiles, depicting the procession of 35 rulers of the Wettin dynasty. It is on an open-air street.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Fürstenzug
The Fürstenzug (Procession of Princes) is a monumental panel on the exterior wall of the Stallhof, the former stable courtyard of the Residenzschloss, along Augustusstraße. It is about 102 metres long and 10 metres high.
The work shows a mounted procession of 35 rulers of Saxony from the Wettin dynasty—margraves, electors, dukes and kings—from the 12th century to the early 20th century. At the end of the procession appear scientists, artists, craftsmen and children, representing the people of Dresden.
The original design was painted between 1871 and 1876. As the painting deteriorated over time, it was transferred between 1904 and 1907 to some 23,000 porcelain tiles from the Meissen manufactory, the neighbouring city famous for porcelain. The panel suffered little damage in the 1945 bombings, unlike much of the surrounding area.
Augustusstraße links the Neumarkt to the Schlossplatz, and the panel can be seen at any time, without an entry fee.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon the light is softer and the street is less crowded. It makes a good route between the Frauenkirche and the Brühlsche Terrasse.
How to get there
It is on Augustusstraße, between the Neumarkt and the Schlossplatz, a 2-minute walk from the Frauenkirche.
Tip
Walk on the pavement opposite the panel to see the entire procession and look for the painter Wilhelm Walther himself among the figures at the end. The street is narrow and fills with groups in the afternoon.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fürstenzug
Is the Fürstenzug painted?
Not anymore: the panel is made up of about 23,000 Meissen porcelain tiles, applied between 1904 and 1907 over the design of the original painting.
Do you have to pay to see the Fürstenzug?
No. The panel is on an open street, Augustusstraße, and there is no admission fee.
Who appears on the Fürstenzug?
The 35 rulers of the Wettin dynasty who led Saxony, plus a group of artists, scientists and children at the end of the procession.