Pillnitz and the 'Old Lady of the Park'

The Pillnitz Park is well worth seeing. It is the former pleasure seat and summer residence of the Saxon rulers- The Wettin family and is situated on the banks of the River Elbe. In this lovely park to the east of Dresden with diversified landscaped parts and about 400 container plants, one also finds the Camellia Japonica, called the ‘Old lady of the park’ due to her age of more than 200 years. It is a veritable botanical rarity. 

The Hill and Water Palaces as an allusion to Chinese architecture are reminiscent of baroque splendour. The English and Chinese pavilions used as retreats stand at the park’s edges. With the orangery and the palm house the park possesses two more attractions giving evidence of the rulers’ interest in nature and plants. The New Palace houses a museum devoted to the Royal Residence, while the Water and Hill Pavilions house the Dresden museum of art and crafts.

You can reach the park by bus or steam boat enjoying the harmony of architecture and nature on your trip. 

Here is a picture of the grand old dame as she looked this spring. 

Written by Iris Stauch