Schlossplatz (Castle Square), Dresden

Castle Square (Schlossplatz) is a city square in the heart of Dresden. Named after the Dresden Castle—once the royal residence of the Electors and Kings of Saxony—the square is a historical and architectural focal point of the city. It is flanked by several significant buildings including the Catholic Court Church (Katholische Hofkirche), the Saxon House of Estates (Sächsische Ständehaus), the Georgentor, and the Augustus Bridge, which spans the River Elbe.

The square's history extends back to the 15th century, but it suffered extensive damage during the bombing of Dresden in World War II. In recent years, extensive restoration efforts have revived its historic ambiance, reinstating its original grandeur.

A notable feature of the square was a bronze statue of Albert of Saxony by Max Baumbach, inaugurated in 1906 but destroyed in 1945. In its place now stands a sculpture by Ernst Rietschel of Frederick Augustus I "The Righteous", initially unveiled in 1843 and moved to Castle Square in 2008. This relocation was celebrated with a special performance of Richard Wagner's Weih-Hymne, composed for the sculpture's original unveiling.

Additionally, the square holds a historical significance marked by a paving stone with the letter 'N' outside the main entrance of the Catholic Court Church (Katholische Hofkirche), denoting where Napoleon Bonaparte rallied his troops for the Battle of Dresden in 1813.

While Castle Square is a site for political events, its compact stone architecture creates significant reverberation, making nearby Theaterplatz, with better acoustics, a preferred venue for concerts. This integration of history, art, and cultural activities makes Schlossplatz a vital and vibrant part of Dresden's urban landscape.