Albrechtsburg

Albrechtsburg is a late Gothic castle in Meissen, Saxony, Germany. It sits on a hill overlooking the Elbe River and forms a key part of Meissen’s historic townscape, adjacent to the Meissen Cathedral. Construction began around 1471 under the direction of the Wettin rulers and the building was named after Duke Albrecht II of Saxony. The castle was intended as a princely residence with fortified elements, and it is frequently cited as one of the oldest and most important examples of late Gothic architecture in Central Europe, illustrating the transition from fortress to palace in German castle design.

The design emphasizes a solid, fortress-like exterior paired with palace-scale interiors, reflecting a shift toward secular, comfortable court living while retaining defensive features. The work continued into the late 15th century, and the structure served as a residence for the Electors of Saxony for several generations before its use shifted in later centuries.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries Albrechtsburg underwent restoration to preserve its medieval character. Today it houses the Staatliche Porzellan-Museum Meissen (State Porcelain Museum Meissen), which houses a significant collection related to the Meissen porcelain tradition and broader decorative arts. The castle is open to visitors and remains a focal point of Meissen’s cultural heritage, illustrating the city’s medieval roots and its later administrative and cultural developments.