The Baroque Garden

The Grosssedlitz Baroque Garden has not changed in any substantial way since 1732 and its elements have only suffered marginal damage and deterioration. It is rare that you can see, north of the Alps, two inclinations such as here which have been laid out facing each other. Thus this wonderful combination of French and Italian Baroque is a valuable part of Saxon garden architecture which cannot be matched anywhere. In the grounds you can find more than 60 sculptures, of which 24 are originals, as well as 400 potted plants, of which 140 are orange trees, the largest collection in Germany.

History

The coat of arms of the Wackerbarths, at the middle wing projection of the Upper Orangery.enlarge view

Christoph August, Count von Wackerbarth, commissioned the court architect Knoeffel to build a home here where he could retire to. The Palace and Upper Orangery were completed in 1721. But in 1723 Augustus the Strong bought it up and, in 1732, had it remodelled according to his wishes.

Park layout

Aerial photo of the Baroque Gardenenlarge view

The basic layout of the park, which was constructed between 1719 and 1732, has been almost completely preserved up to this day. Thus the different levels and garden spaces present a picturesque appearance on their terraced grounds. 

Orangery

Small orange tree in front of the Lower Orangeryenlarge view

140 small orange trees, a particular status symbol of the king of Saxony, decorate today, as in times past, the lower level from May until September, thereby making the party hall perfect in its green surroundings.

Sculptures

The sculptures of Apollo and Daphneenlarge view

More than 60 sandstone sculptures and vases are a cheerful sight in front of the rows of hedges, in the grounds or in niches. They belong to the most long-lasting achievements of Saxon 18th century sculpture.