Remodeling the Roman Baths located at Schloss Albrechtsberg
Renovation of Roman Bath at Castle Albrechtsberg to Commence in June
The much-anticipated renovation of the Roman Bath at Castle Albrechtsberg is set to begin in June 20XX. The renovation project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, encompasses two phases. The initial phase includes the restoration of sandstone steps and the sealing of terrace levels, already funded. The subsequent phase, commencing in 2027, demands city-sought donations.
Two years ago, Mayor Stephan Kuhn (Greens) announced the initiative, with the first pledge of state funding received at that time. Subsequently, federal funding has become available. However, minimal visible progress has been made on-site so far. Project leader Romy Eichler explains the completed preparations, including documented damage, tendered contracts, and the selection of suitable companies for the intricate renovation works.
As initially announced, the western portico will undergo restoration first, followed by the eastern one, which was restored in 2014. These column-supported structures border the Roman Bath to the east and west. Comprehensive earth and sealing work, as well as masonry work on the stairs leading up to the terrace from the water basin area, will also be undertaken. Construction is confined to June through August due to the presence of twelve endangered bat species requiring special protection from September onwards.
Both the project leader and the mayor remain optimistic that the first phase will be completed by the end of 2026. The total costs, amounting to €4.2 million, will be supported by €1.43 million in federal funding and €1.12 million in state funding from special programs for monument protection, with the remaining amount allocated in Dresden's budget.
Earmarked for the second, final phase are around €3.5 million, but no funding has been secured yet. The city administration hopes to raise private funds for this project through a donation campaign, aiming to collect a total of €1 million, enabling further grant applications.
Prominent support for the project has already been secured—actor Martin Brambach, recognized for his role as Dresden's "Tatort" detective Peter Michael Schnabel, supports the initiative. He finds the project a worthy endeavor, fostering cultural significance, identity, and a sense of home for Dresdeners.
The goal is to complete the renovation of the Roman Bath by 2028. Guided tours are offered on the Day of Open Monuments and during the Castle Night, providing limited access to the historic site.
Located on the Elbe slope, the open-air Roman Bath of Castle Albrechtsberg offers a unique view of the Elbe valley. Associated with personal memories for many Dresdeners, it is part of the garden complex built in the late classical style from 1851 to 1854 by architect Adolph Lohse for Prince Albrecht of Prussia (1809-1872). The garden complex, created in the Italian style in the mid-19th century, features a large fountain pool and a semi-circular colonnade of sixteen Corinthian columns, with two small temples bounding the area.
Until the 1990s, the fountain pool of the Roman Baths served as a temporary swimming pool for the Dresden population, but hygiene requirements for swimming pools cannot be reconciled with a monument-preserving renovation. Due to structural reasons, the city administration had to close the Roman Baths in 2012, and the renovation work begun in 2014 had to be halted due to insufficient funds.
Donations can be transferred to Landeshauptstadt Dresden with the purpose "Roman Baths." Donors who provide their address will receive a tax-deductible donation receipt. For more information on this project and others, visit www.dresden.de/roemisches-bad.
Castle Albrechtsberg Update
In related news, maintenance for the playground at Talstraße 12 is currently underway. The Thalia cinema will provide alternative tips from June 8th, while the Albert Bridge's renovation has been postponed. For further updates, visit the City of Dresden's cultural heritage pages or contact the administration.
- In addition to the renovation of the Roman Bath at Castle Albrechtsberg, another project seeking public support is the improvement of the lifestyle and home-and-garden area at Talstraße 12.
- Meanwhile, the home-improvement project for the Thalia cinema auditorium is planned to start, serving as a temporary venue for families whose regular playground is under maintenance, from June 8th onwards.
