Neustadter Markt (New Town Market), Dresden

The New Town Market, located in Dresden’s Inner New Town district, 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 Old Dresden, has evolved significantly over the centuries.

The square is most renowned for its landmark, the Golden Rider, an equestrian statue of Augustus the Strong. Get to the centre of the plaza to examine the gleaming gold-leaf details on the statue. Commissioned by his son, Augustus III, the 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 Augustus the Strong’s 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 New Town development plan.

Besides the Golden Rider, the square features two sandstone nymph fountains, crafted between 1738 and 1742. Each fountain depicts a nymph surrounded by mythical creatures, with fish mouths serving as water outlets. Approach the nymph fountains flanking the central plaza to admire the 18th-century stone carvings.

Additionally, two large concrete fountains are situated on the eastern and western sides of the square. Each fountain has a diameter of 15 metres and incorporates three-part fountain lamellae, blending modern design with the square’s historic setting. To find them, step off the central cobblestone area and head towards the far eastern and western corners of the square.