The laneway was named “Münzgasse” after the Neue Münze – the electoral mint located behind the Frauenkirche, and which was built in 1773. It was a meeting place for the coin makers, as well as the craftsmen from the Töpfergasse, the merchants from the Jüdenhof, and the more refined sovereigns strolling through Brühl’s Garden or the art exhibits. The dock, Brühl’s Terrace, located right next to Münzgasse, was the starting point for the royal family’s excursions during the 18th century. They would ride magnificent gondolas on the Elbe, travelling between the residential palace here in the Old Town and the grand summer palace in Pillnitz. While the royal regents entertained themselves in the city palace, the subservient souls – wagoners, coachmen and stablemen – would meanwhile stop to eat at the former “Kleppereck”, where the horses were also given water. The restaurant was located right next to the stables (built in 1588) here in the Münzgasse, and became a popular place of refreshment for humans and animals alike.
The rustic „Kutscherschänke” restaurant keeps the history of this traditional urban district alive.
