Meissen

Meissen, a town in the kingdom of Saxony, is situated in a beautiful district on the left bank of the Elbe, 14 miles by rail NW. of Dresden. Its chief building is the cathedral (c. 1266-1479), one of the finest Gothic churches in Germany, surmounted by an exquisite spire (263 feet) of open work, and containing many fine brasses. The castle was built in 1471-83, and in 1710 was converted into the porcelain factory over which Böttger presided (see POTTERY). In 1863 the castle was restored, its walls being adorned with frescoes by modern painters, the porcelain factory having been removed in 1860 to other premises; 800 men are employed. Other manufactures are iron, machinery, jute, and cigars. Here is the celebrated school of St Afra, where Gellert and Lessing were educated. It was founded by Duke Maurice in 1543, and until 1879 occupied the former Afra monastery (built in 1205). Meissen was founded in 928 by Henry I. of Germany, as a stronghold against the Slavonians, and was long the capital of the margraviate and burgraviate of Meissen, which was subsequently merged in the duchy of Saxony. The town was burned down by the Swedes under Banér in 1637. Pop. (1875) 13,002; (1885) 15,474.