In 17 century, during the reign of Friedrich August I and his son Friedrich August II, Saxony enjoyed its “Augustinian golden age”. Under the influence of Italian towns of Florence and Venice, these two rulers shaped the environment in the capital town of Dresden, where creativity, craftsmanship, and scholarliness flourished. The palace in Dresden became one of the most beautiful courts in Europe, rivalled only by Versailles. August I frequently threw gorgeous court festivals and events which presented the cultural magnificence and military power of Saxony. Beside this, the rulers’ private art collections, the public library, and the opera were opened for the public. As the centre of cultural and intellectual life, Dresden became a cosmopolitan town which attracted scientists and artists from all over Europe.