In the center of Old Town is a unique building - the Zwinger. Construction of the palace began in the early XVIII century. when Elector Frederick Augustus I. In 1710 the architect built Peppelmanna French Pavilion, bathing nymphs, longitudinal galleries and others. By the end of 1728 there are bells, porcelain and German pavilions. Construction Zwinger ceased with the death of Frederick Augustus I (August the Strong) in 1733.

Soon Zwinger building was used for other purposes, there is now stored the precious collection of the Electors. The founder of the gallery is considered to Frederick Augustus II, son of Augustus the Strong. On his orders were purchased and delivered to Dresden entire collection of paintings, including in 1754 the most valuable work - the "Sistine Madonna" by Raphael.

Zwinger is considered one of the most interesting and significant buildings built in the late Baroque in Europe. In 1855, Gottfried Semper completed the construction of the Zwinger Gallery of erecting a building in the style of the Italian Renaissance. And today it is - a real treasure, which holds a unique collection: the world-famous Old Masters Picture Gallery, Armoury, porcelain collection. There is also a Museum of Zoology and Mathematics and Physics Salon.