Neustadter Markt (New Town Market), Dresden
The New Town Market (Neust盲dter Markt), located in the Inner Neustadt district of Dresden, boasts a rich history and cultural significance. This square, likely established before 1200 as a village square for a Slavic settlement in what later became Altendresden, has evolved significantly over the centuries.
The square is most renowned for its landmark, the "Golden Rider," an equestrian statue of August the Strong. Created by Ludwig Wiedemann and commissioned by August III, the son of August the Strong, this statue was cast in 1734 and is an iconic representation of the Elector dressed as a Roman emperor. This impressive sculpture, mounted on a pedestal erected in 1884, serves as a powerful reminder of Dresden's vibrant past during August the Strong鈥檚 reign, a period when Dresden flourished culturally and was often referred to as the "Florence of the Elbe."
The New Town Market was significantly affected during the Second World War when it was destroyed in the bombing of Dresden. It was not until the 1970s that the square was redeveloped according to the Inner Neustadt development plan. Since then, it has been transformed into a pedestrian zone, enhancing its accessibility and appeal.
Besides the Golden Rider, the square features two sandstone nymph fountains, crafted between 1738 and 1742 by Johann Benjamin Thomae. Each fountain presents a nymph surrounded by mythical creatures, with fish mouths that serve as water dispensers. The artistic detail in these fountains highlights the square's historical artistry.
Additionally, two large concrete fountains designed by Friedrich Kracht are situated on the east and west sides of the square. These fountains, each with a diameter of 15 meters, incorporate three-part fountain lamellae, blending modern design with the historical setting.
The name "Neust盲dter Markt" was adopted in the 1920s to distinguish it from Dresden's other historical marketplaces, the Altmarkt and Neumarkt. Today, the New Town Market stands as a testament to Dresden鈥檚 resilience and cultural heritage, making it a significant historical and artistic site within the city.
The square is most renowned for its landmark, the "Golden Rider," an equestrian statue of August the Strong. Created by Ludwig Wiedemann and commissioned by August III, the son of August the Strong, this statue was cast in 1734 and is an iconic representation of the Elector dressed as a Roman emperor. This impressive sculpture, mounted on a pedestal erected in 1884, serves as a powerful reminder of Dresden's vibrant past during August the Strong鈥檚 reign, a period when Dresden flourished culturally and was often referred to as the "Florence of the Elbe."
The New Town Market was significantly affected during the Second World War when it was destroyed in the bombing of Dresden. It was not until the 1970s that the square was redeveloped according to the Inner Neustadt development plan. Since then, it has been transformed into a pedestrian zone, enhancing its accessibility and appeal.
Besides the Golden Rider, the square features two sandstone nymph fountains, crafted between 1738 and 1742 by Johann Benjamin Thomae. Each fountain presents a nymph surrounded by mythical creatures, with fish mouths that serve as water dispensers. The artistic detail in these fountains highlights the square's historical artistry.
Additionally, two large concrete fountains designed by Friedrich Kracht are situated on the east and west sides of the square. These fountains, each with a diameter of 15 meters, incorporate three-part fountain lamellae, blending modern design with the historical setting.
The name "Neust盲dter Markt" was adopted in the 1920s to distinguish it from Dresden's other historical marketplaces, the Altmarkt and Neumarkt. Today, the New Town Market stands as a testament to Dresden鈥檚 resilience and cultural heritage, making it a significant historical and artistic site within the city.
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Neustadter Markt (New Town Market) on Map
Sight Name: Neustadter Markt (New Town Market)
Sight Location: Dresden, Germany (See walking tours in Dresden)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dresden, Germany (See walking tours in Dresden)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dresden, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Dresden
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dresden is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dresden New Town Walk
The Neustadt (New Town) of Dresden is a central district located on the north bank of the Elbe. Despite the name, this part of the city is not at all new and has been inhabited for as long as the Old Town on the opposite side of the river. Its 鈥渘ovelty鈥� derives from "Neue K枚nigliche Stadt" (New Royal Town), which is the title given to the area, formerly the district of Altendresden,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Dresden's Architectural Jewels
If there is one thing Dresden is particularly famous for, it is the magnificent architecture. Although known primarily for its Baroque buildings, the city has several other architectural styles present too, such as Renaissance, Historicism, Modernism and Post-modernism.
Much of downtown Dresden was destroyed in February 1945 by Allied bombing, which in turn prompted the rebuilding of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Much of downtown Dresden was destroyed in February 1945 by Allied bombing, which in turn prompted the rebuilding of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Dresden Introduction Walking Tour
Dresden was likely settled on the banks of the River Elbe by Neolithic tribes as far back as 7,500 BC. But it also has a long and storied history as the long-time capital of Saxony. The Electors and Kings lived here for centuries, appointing the city with every cultural and artistic treasure.
Its modern form--and its name--comes from early Germanic people, who expanded East to mine the Ore... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Its modern form--and its name--comes from early Germanic people, who expanded East to mine the Ore... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles