Ever wonder where Dresden’s second-born princes lived? Here, where we stand once stood the Palais der Sekundogenitur. It was also known as Prinz-Georg-Palais or Prinzenpalais. This palace resided within the Park der Sekundogenitur. This park is now part of the Blüherpark. The Palais der Sekundogenitur stood at Lange Gasse 24. Later, it was known as Zinzendorfstraße 4.
Friedrich August Krubsacius built the Palais der Sekundogenitur. He constructed it from 1764 to 1770. It was for Johann Georg, Chevalier de Saxe. He was the illegitimate son of Friedrich August II. Initially, the Palais der Sekundogenitur was a one-story building. It featured a tower and a triangular gable. Johann Gottfried Knöffler created the sculptures. Long outbuildings directly connected to the side of the Palais der Sekundogenitur. These housed utility rooms.
The Palais der Sekundogenitur displayed transitional features. These blended Rococo and Classicism. Its interior remained in the Rococo style. From 1781 to 1927, it served as the residence. It housed the second-born Wettin prince and his family. Johann August Giesel redesigned the interior in 1783. He used the Classicism style. Hermann Nicolai renovated the Palais der Sekundogenitur from 1855 to 1857. He added another story. He also redesigned the facades. The wings were extended in 1867 and 1878/1879.
The Palais der Sekundogenitur was home to several notable figures. Johann Georg, Chevalier de Saxe lived here from 1764 to 1774. Prince Anton of Saxony resided here from 1781 to 1827. Prince Georg of Saxony lived here from 1857 to 1902. Prince Johann Georg of Saxony called it home from 1906 to 1918.
In 1927, the city of Dresden acquired the Palais der Sekundogenitur. During the bombing of Dresden in February 1945, it burned down. The ruins were demolished in 1951.
Two historic sandstone vases, created around 1750, were placed in the Bürgerwiese. The oversized seated sandstone figures of Hercules and Megara found a home. They were placed in the medicinal herb and plant garden. This garden is south of the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum.
The Palais der Sekundogenitur was located on Zinzendorfstraße. This street runs north from Bürgerwiese. It ends near Lingnerallee. Since 1892, the street has been named after the Zinzendorf family. Their property bordered the street. Originally, the street was the southern part of Neue Gasse. This ran between Pillnitzer Straße and Bürgerwiese. In the 17th century, it was called Lange Gasse. It was renamed Lange Straße in 1863.
Today, nothing remains of the Palais der Sekundogenitur. Except in stories and memories. Yet, the echoes of princes and history linger here. They remind us of Dresden’s vibrant past. The Palais der Sekundogenitur may be gone. It remains a part of Dresden’s story. It is a story of elegance, destruction, and remembrance.