Zum Reiterberg

Can you hear the whispers of history? Here at Zum Reiterberg, they echo through the years. Zum Reiterberg was once the site of the Dresden Military Riding School, a grand institution established in 1850. It later evolved into the Militärreitanstalt, an esteemed academy dedicated to honing the equestrian skills of young officers. Imagine the clatter of hooves and the commands ringing out across the parade ground. The Militärreitanstalt, right here at Zum Reiterberg, officially opened its impressive buildings on April 8, 1879. Two barracks housed instructors and trainees, stables accommodated 160 horses, and a vast riding and exercise area stretched northwards. In 1891, the academy at Zum Reiterberg came under the command of an inspector. This role was filled from 1895 by General Karl Emil Kirchner, who simultaneously commanded the 1st Cavalry Brigade No. 23. The prestigious Garde-Reiter-Regiment’s Fabrice-Kaserne also stood near Zum Reiterberg alongside the riding school and headquarters. Sadly, the grandeur of Zum Reiterberg did not survive World War II. Bombing heavily damaged the area. The remnants of the riding hall at Zum Reiterberg now lie beneath the clubhouse of the “Friedenswacht” allotment gardens, a testament to the resilience of life. While much of the Militärreitanstalt was lost, a section of the original structure remains. It is now used by the Saxon police. And impressively, the more than 1000-meter-long perimeter wall of the barracks still stands at Zum Reiterberg, a silent guardian of the past. As you stand here, visualize the vibrant history that unfolded at Zum Reiterberg. From the disciplined training of officers to the devastating impact of war, Zum Reiterberg holds a unique place in Dresden’s story.