Dresdner Zwinger - "Zwinger Palace"

Building of the Zwinger Palace began in 1710, and was finished in 1728.  The grounds of the royal palace include many museums, beautiful gardens, pavilions, and fountains.  It was originally built by architect Matthaus Daniel Poppelmann in the Baroque style.  The Palace was built for Augustus the Strong, who wanted it to rival Louis XIV's Versailles. Zwinger Palace was unfortunately destroyed in the fire bombings in 1945, but was restored to its original form.  

Zwinger Palace

The large inner courtyard was used for court festivities, tournaments, and fireworks.  There are six pavilions connected by galleries throughout the grounds of the Palace.  One of the most famous parts of the Palace is the Glockenspiel.  It became a part of Zwinger Palace in 1933, and after the bombing took 20 years to reconstruct.  The melodies played by the clock at each quarter hour change with the seasons.  

Nymphenbad

Some of the museums are as follows: 

1.  Galerie Alte Meister: The picture gallery, otherwise known as the "Old Masters Gallery" houses pieces by famous artists such as Titian, Raphael, and Rubens.  

2.  Rustkammer:  The historical museum is home a collection of 15th to 18th century war instruments.  Some of these weapons include those used by the Saxons. 

3.  Porzellansammlung: This museum contains a collection of fine porcelain pieces

4. Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon: The "mathematics-physics salon" has exhibits showing off clocks, sextants, globes, and other pieces of scientific equipment.  

Crown Gate

The Crown Gate is topped with a large crown that is decorated with gilded motifs.  The statues within the niches of the gate are representative of the four seasons.  The Nymphenbad is a closed courtyard.  Within the Nymphenbad is a large fountain which is decorated with mythical sea gods, tritons, and other legendary sea creatures.  

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Sources: 

Dunford, Lisa. Central Europe. 9th ed. Footscray, Vic.: Lonely Planet, 2011. Print.

"Zwinger Palace - Dresden's Exquisite Royal Residence." Germany And Its Cities Are Unique And Vibrant -- It's Time To Visit Them!. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2013. .

"Zwinger Palace, Dresden, Germany (trip idea) includes: dresden, zwinger, baroque, saxony...." TripIdeas.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2013. .

"Zwinger, Dresden." A View On Cities. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2013. .