DESSAU, the capital city of the Land of Anhalt, Germany, on the left bank of the Mulde, 2 m. from its confluence with the Elbe, 67 m. S.W. from Berlin and at the junction of lines to Cothen and Zerbst. Pop. 7 Dessau, probably founded by Albert the Bear, had attained civic rights as early as 1213. It first began to grow into impor tance at the close of the 17th century, in consequence of the religious emancipation of the Jews in 1686, and of the Lutherans in 1697.
Apart from the old quarter on the Mulde, the town is well built with spacious squares such as the Grosse Markt and the public buildings of a capital. The Schlosskirche is adorned with paintings by Lucas Cranach, in one of which ("The Last Supper") are portraits of several reformers. The ex-ducal palace, standing in extensive grounds, contains a collection of historical curiosities and a gallery of pictures, which includes works by Cimabue, Lippi, Rubens, Titian and Van Dyck; the Amalienstift also has a picture gallery. Dessau manufactures sugar, chocolate, chemi cals, small iron goods and machinery, various household objects and some textiles. There is also a considerable trade .in corn and garden produce. In the environs are the ducal villas of Georgium and Luisium, the gardens of which, as well as those of the neighbouring town of Worlitz, are much admired.