The Pillnitz Palaces

The Pillnitz Palace and Park, is on the banks of Elbe, in the Saxony village of Pillnitz, now a district of Dresden. Surrounded by the vineyard slopes and ensconced in the lap of magnificent gardens, this place is alluring. The main palace wing now houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.

Home to King Augustus's mistress Constantina von Cosel, till she was banished, the Pillnitz Palace was otherwise a summer residence of the royals. It's an impressive testament to the artistic taste and financial extravagance of Saxony's Electors during the 17th and early 18th Centuries. That aside, standing on the banks of Elbe again are the Wasserpalais (Water Palace), and on the opposite side of the Lustgarten is the Bergpalais (Mountain Palace). The showstealer here is the Schlosspark which has elements of both English and Chinese in its make and is known for the many rare trees that grow here. There is an Orangery and Palm Tree Greenhouse for those interested in botany. You can also visit the tiny Weinbergkirche (Vineyard Church), a charming building with a roof that rises out of the vines.