Fürstenzug (Procession of Princes), Dresden (must see)

The Procession of Princes is one of Dresden’s most remarkable outdoor artworks and one of the city’s most popular sights. Located along Augustus Street, outside the Stall Courtyard and beside Dresden’s Royal Palace, the enormous mural stretches for about 102 metres (or 335 feet). It depicts the rulers of the Wettin dynasty, which ruled Saxony for centuries, and was commissioned to celebrate the dynasty’s 800th anniversary in 1889.

The original mural was painted by Wilhelm Walther, who spent five years completing it in 1876. As the artwork began to fade, it was replaced between 1904 and 1907 with around 23,000 Meissen porcelain tiles, making it weather-resistant and creating what is considered the world’s largest porcelain artwork. Take a close look at the beginning of the mural to appreciate the seamless joinery of the weather-resistant porcelain tiles.

The mural portrays 35 margraves, electors, dukes, and kings of the House of Wettin, covering the period from 1127 to 1904. The procession begins with Conrad, Margrave of Meissen, and shows the rulers on horseback, with their names beneath them. Interestingly, Frederick Augustus III, the last King of Saxony, is not included. The rulers are accompanied by 59 other figures, including farmers, craftsmen, scientists, artists, and children.

A young girl among the children is the only female figure in the procession, while the final figure is the mural’s original creator, Wilhelm Walther. Take your time and walk slowly from east to west along the street, following the chronological order of the mounted rulers and reading the names inscribed beneath each horse until you reach the mention of Wilhelm Walther. Just a little bit east of Walther's depiction, you can find the young girl, wearing a wreath.

Moreover, look closely and you will notice that the mural was designed to resemble a giant tapestry. The upper edge features 38 decorative hanging knobs, while ornamental frames contain plants, butterflies, and birds.

Remarkably, the porcelain mural survived the 1945 bombing of Dresden with relatively little damage. For tourists, walking along the mural offers a chance to examine its detailed costumes, horses, and historical figures while enjoying a fascinating visual journey through Saxony’s past. It is free to view and accessible at any time, making it an easy stop while exploring Dresden’s Old Town.