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Palace · Dresden, Saxônia
Residenzschloss
Former palace of the rulers of Saxony, now housing several museums: the Grünes Gewölbe (royal treasury), the Rüstkammer, the Münzkabinett and the Hausmannsturm tower.
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 Residenzschloss
The Residenzschloss (Residential Palace) was for centuries the seat of the Electors and Kings of Saxony from the Wettin dynasty. The building combines Renaissance and neo-Renaissance phases, was almost completely destroyed in 1945 and underwent a long reconstruction that restored halls, courtyards and façades.
The highlight is the Grünes Gewölbe (the treasury) created by Augustus the Strong in the early 18th century. It is divided into two parts: the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe on the ground floor recreates the Baroque rooms with thousands of items in gold, silver, ivory and gemstones displayed without closed showcases; the Neues Grünes Gewölbe on the first floor shows pieces in display cases, such as the famous Dresdner Grüner Diamant (a green diamond) when it is on exhibit.
The palace also houses the Rüstkammer, with court armours and weapons, the Türckische Cammer, with tents and Ottoman objects, the Münzkabinett (coins and medals) and the Kupferstich-Kabinett (prints and drawings). From the Hausmannsturm, the palace tower, there is a view over the old town; it is open during the warmer season.
On the outside, the wall of the Stallhof facing Augustusstraße displays the Fürstenzug, the large porcelain panel with the rulers of Saxony.
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
2 to 4 hours for the main museums; the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe alone takes about 1 hour.
Best time
The Historisches Grünes Gewölbe has limited capacity and operates with timed tickets: the earliest slots of the day are usually the quietest. The Hausmannsturm is open roughly from late March to early November.
How to get there
It is located between the Theaterplatz, the Schlossplatz and the Neumarkt, in the old town. Trams that stop at Theaterplatz and Postplatz leave you a few minutes’ walk away.
Tip
The Historisches Grünes Gewölbe requires a timed ticket; buy it in advance on the official site of the State Art Collections (SKD), as places sell out. The palace usually closes on Tuesdays: check before you go. At the entrance to the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe there is an airlock and bag rules; leave backpacks in the cloakroom/left-luggage.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Residenzschloss
Do I need to reserve for the Grünes Gewölbe?
The Historisches Grünes Gewölbe operates with timed tickets and limited capacity; book in advance. The Neues Grünes Gewölbe and the other palace museums use the regular ticket.
What is the difference between the Historisches and the Neues Grünes Gewölbe?
The Historisches recreates the baroque treasure rooms, with pieces displayed openly on shelves. The Neues presents individual objects in glass cases on the first floor.
On which day is the Residenzschloss closed?
The palace is usually closed on Tuesdays. Check the official website, as holidays can change the opening hours.
Can you climb the Residenzschloss tower?
Yes, the Hausmannsturm opens in season—typically from late March to early November—and offers views over the old town.