Hofkirche (Cathedral of the Holy Trinity)

Overview

The Hofkirche (Cathedral of the Holy Trinity) is Dresden's Roman Catholic cathedral, built between 1739 and 1755 in Italian Baroque style. It was constructed so that the Protestant city's Catholic ruler, Augustus III, could worship — connected to the Royal Palace by a covered walkway.

Highlights

• Silbermann Organ: One of the last instruments by famed organ builder Gottfried Silbermann, with 47 stops and 2,953 pipes.
• Wettin Dynasty Crypt: 49 members of the Saxon royal family are interred here, including Augustus the Strong's heart (his body rests in Kraków).
• Processional Way: 78 3.5-meter-tall saint statues line the balustrade, carved by Lorenzo Mattielli.

History

Designed by the Roman architect Gaetano Chiaveri, the church was controversial because Protestant Saxony's ruler was converting to Catholicism to claim the Polish crown. Severely damaged in 1945, it was restored by 1965 and elevated to cathedral status in 1980.

Visitor Tips

• Free admission; organ concerts on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Look for Augustus the Strong's heart capsule in the crypt.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.