Holy Trinity Cathedral is the main Dresden Catholic church. This is a three-nave baroque building with two towers, the original organ of Zilbermann’s work has been preserved inside. Representatives of the Vettin dynasty are buried in the crypt.
Hofkirche, photo by andreas grahl
The Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Katholische Hofkirche) in Dresden is a former court church, which is connected by a covered gallery-passage with the Residence Castle. Hofkirche is located in the Old Town on the embankment of Elba. This is one of the largest churches in Saxony.
The history of the cathedral dates back to 1697. This year, Elector of Saxony Frederick Augustus I adopted Catholic Christianity. A strict, but fair ruler firmly decided to build a Catholic church, but could not realize his idea.
This idea was implemented by his son Augustus II of Saxony. The design of the church was entrusted to the Italian architect Gaetano Chiaveri. The building was built in the Baroque style from 1739 to 1755.
Central nave, photo by Rex Harris
During the bombing of Dresden, Hofkirche was hit hard. But services began already in 1947. Restoration work was completed in 1962.
Hofkirche became a cathedral in 1964, and a cathedral in 1980. In 1973, a Meissen porcelain piety was set up in the side chapel, dedicated to "the victims of February 13, 1945 and all innocently killed."
In the crypt is the family tomb of 49 rulers of the Saxony Vettin clan, except for Augustus the Strong. Here is his heart in a special copper capsule.
How to get there
Take a 4.8.9 tram to the Theaterplatz stop.
