The Church of our Lady in Meissen - stunning views of the town!

Dating back to the early 13th century (precisely 1205), The church of our Lady is an important landmark in the town of Meissen. Meissen is often called the Cradle of Saxony, and the church has been the centre of action for nine centuries in this late medieval town.

The Church of our Lady, Meissen 

The present day church is made in the Gothic style, and has remained unchanged since the mid fifteenth century. Now Meissen is now more famous for the famed Meissen porcelain and the Albrechtsburg castle on the hilltop, yet the church building holds its own even today.



So when I visited the town, the church was a must-visit. It was already evening when I walked into the town and the church building was closed. But I was keen to climb up on the tower which looked like the tallest structure around, and so the most interesting one as well. The gate was locked, and after further enquiries I figured that the keys are kept in the Tourist Center just across the square. For a nominal fee I was given the key and I ran up the tower as the light was falling fast.

On the way up...

I love these bells!

All the hard-work paid off when I got to witness the view from top - I could see the Albrechtsburg Castle on one side, the lovely river by its side and the streets of Meissen leading up to it. But it was the view of the Meissen Christmas market which took my breath away. I had been to a few Christmas market in Dresden already, but this one was different - it was small and intimate, and everyone knew each other. In simple words it was rather charming, as my co-traveller would have called it :)

The small and cozy Christmas market

Albrechtsburg Castle and cathedral 

Lanes leading up to the castle

Porcelain Carillon

There is something else that's very special and unique at this church, and this also  connects the church to the porcelain heritage of Meissen. Every day there is a performance of church chorales played on the tunable porcelain bells. I missed it because I went there too late, but I was told that it's really good one.

The porcelain carillon is the most recent addition to the church and was especially made to celebrate 1000 years of the birth of Meissen in 1929.

Opening hours of the church

Mon: 9:00 am - 12:00 and 14:30 to 16:00
Tue: 9:00 am - 12:00 and 14:30 to 18:00
Wed: closed Thu + Fri: 9:00 to 12:00

Albrechtsburg Castle and the Meissen town

To reach Meissen

The best way to reach Meissen is to take a train and get off at the main station. From there the church is about 15-20 minutes away on foot.

Here is a map to help you reach the church. Remember my recommendation - walk through the town and not drive and you will be blessed with wonderful views :)



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Disclaimer: I was in Germany on invitation of the German Tourist Office and Saxony Tourism Board. Needless to mention, all views expressed are unbiased and based on my own personal experiences.