Introduction to Meissen

25km (16 miles) NW of Dresden, 174km (108 miles) S of Berlin, 85km (53 miles) E of Leipzig

This "city of porcelain" is most often visited on a day trip from Dresden, although since reunification, it now has suitable accommodations for those who'd like to spend the night and get acquainted with the area.

Meissen lies on both banks of the Elbe, with the Altstadt on the left bank. It's a very old town, dating from A.D. 929. Since 1710, Meissen has been known around the world as the center for the manufacturing of Dresden china. The early makers of this so-called "white gold" were virtually held prisoner here because the princes who ruled the city wanted to keep their secrets to themselves. Today, shoppers can find the greatest selection of porcelain in all Germany. However, not wanting to undercut their distributors in such cities as Munich or Berlin, Meissen porcelain manufacturers keep their prices about the same as elsewhere.