The name Zwinger goes back to the common medieval German term for that part of a fortification between the outer and inner defensive walls, or "outer ward". Archaeological evidence indicates that the construction of the first city wall took place in the last quarter of the 12th century. A documentary entry as civitas in 1216 points to the existence of an enclosed Dresden Fortification at that time. In 1427, during the Hussite Wars, work began on strengthening the city's defences and they were enhanced by a second – outer – wall. These improvements began near the Wilsdruffer Tor gate. Step by step the old moat had to be filled in and moved. The area between the two walls was generally referred to as the Zwinger and, in the vicinity of the castle, was utilised by the royal court at Dresden for garden purposes. The location of the so-called Zwingergarten from that period is only imprecisely known to be between the fortifications on the western side of the city.Gurlitt: Kunstdenkmäler Dresdens, H. 2, p. 313Otto Richter: Verfassungsgeschichte der Stadt Dresden. Volume One. Dresden 1885, p. 8–9 Its extent varied in places as a result of subsequent improvements to the fortifications and is depicted differently on the various maps.
The name Zwinger goes back to the common medieval German term for that part of a fortification between the outer and inner defensive walls or "outer ward" Archaeological evidence indicates that the construction of the first city wall took place in the last quarter of the 12th century A documentary entry as civitas in 1216 points to the existence of an enclosed Dresden Fortification at that time In 1427 during the Hussite Wars work began on strengthening the city's defences and they were enhanced by a second – outer – wall These improvements began near the Wilsdruffer Tor gate Step by step the old moat had to be filled in and moved The area between the two walls was generally referred to as the Zwinger and in the vicinity of the castle was utilised by the royal court at Dresden for garden purposes The location of the so-called Zwingergarten from that period is only imprecisely known to be between the fortifications on the western side of the cityGurlitt Kunstdenkmäler Dresdens H 2 p 313Otto Richter Verfassungsgeschichte der Stadt Dresden Volume One Dresden 1885 p 8–9 Its extent varied in places as a result of subsequent improvements to the fortifications and is depicted differently on the various maps