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Cathedral · Dresden, Saxônia
Katholische Hofkirche
Former court church, now Dresden's Catholic cathedral, with the tower that shapes the city's skyline, 78 statues of saints and the last organ by Gottfried Silbermann.
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 Katholische Hofkirche
The Katholische Hofkirche (Igreja Católica da Corte) was built between 1739 and 1755 by the Italian architect Gaetano Chiaveri. The rulers of Saxony had converted to Catholicism to take the Polish throne, in a predominantly Lutheran land, and needed a court church linked to the palace by an elevated passage.
Today it is the cathedral of the Diocese of Dresden-Meissen, called the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. The tower is one of the landmarks of the city's skyline as seen from the Elbe, and the roof balustrade has 78 statues of saints.
Inside, the space is bright and tall. Notable features are the Baroque pulpit carved by Balthasar Permoser and the organ, the last built by Gottfried Silbermann. The crypt holds tombs of members of the Saxon royal house. The church was heavily damaged in 1945 and rebuilt in the following decades.
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
About 20 to 40 minutes.
Best time
Outside of mass times, when the nave can be walked through. At organ concerts you can hear Silbermann's instrument.
How to get there
It is located on the Schlossplatz, next to the Residenzschloss and opposite the Semperoper. The tram stops at Theaterplatz.
Tip
Admission is free. During masses tourist visits are suspended; visits to the crypt are usually guided and at fixed times: check before you go.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Katholische Hofkirche
Is the Hofkirche the cathedral of Dresden?
Yes. The former court church is today the Catholic cathedral of the diocese of Dresden-Meissen, named Catedral da Santíssima Trindade.
Do you have to pay to enter the Hofkirche?
No, there is no admission fee. Visits to the crypt are usually guided and at scheduled times.
Why is there a Catholic cathedral in a Lutheran region?
Augustus the Strong converted to Catholicism to become king of Poland, and the court needed a Catholic church. That is why the Hofkirche was built next to the palace in the 18th century.