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Golden Rider (Goldener Reiter)
The Golden Rider is an equestrian statue of Augustus the Strong, made of repoussé copper and fire-gilded, on the Neustädter Markt, at the foot of the Augustus Bridge. The design is by the court sculptor Jean-Joseph Vinache, and the artistic smith Ludwig Wiedemann worked it in copper. Augustus died in 1733, before seeing it finished. It was created between 1732 and 1734 and has stood in its present place since 1736, where it marks the way to the historic centre of the Neustadt. The rider looks east and north-east, which also alludes to the Kingdom of Poland, whose crown Augustus won in 1697. The large pedestal was finished much later, in 1884. In 1944 the statue was dismantled and stored in a cave in Pillnitz, which spared it from the bombing of February 1945. After three years of restoration it returned to its place in 1956, for Dresden's 750th anniversary.
Add it to your trip on Wanloria →Things to do at Golden Rider (Goldener Reiter): 3 missions
- Photograph the Golden Rider from the squareStand in front of the statue and photograph it with the gilding standing out above the pedestal.
- View the Golden Rider from the Augustus BridgeWalk to the start of the Augustus Bridge, next to the statue, and look towards the historic centre of the Neustadt that it points to.
- Work out which way the rider is lookingNote the statue's orientation to the east and north-east, which alludes to Poland, and compare it with your position in the square.
Near Golden Rider (Goldener Reiter)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Golden Rider (Goldener Reiter)?
Visiting Golden Rider (Goldener Reiter) is free.
How much time do you need for Golden Rider (Goldener Reiter)?
Allow about 15 min for the visit.
What is there to do at Golden Rider (Goldener Reiter)?
Photograph the Golden Rider from the square, View the Golden Rider from the Augustus Bridge and Work out which way the rider is looking.
What is there to see near Golden Rider (Goldener Reiter)?
Brühl's Terrace (Brühlsche Terrasse) (525 m), Semper Opera House (Semperoper) (582 m) and Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Hofkirche) (583 m).