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Where is Dresden?
Dresden is the capital city of the state of Saxony. It is home to 560,000 people and the second most populous city in Saxony. It was part of the GDR from 1945 to 1990. Dresden sits on the banks of the river Elbe and is an economically very dynamic region, also called "Silicon Saxony": innovation and cutting-edge technology.
Eventful History
First mentioned in documents in the 12th century, Dresden was electoral and then royal residence. In 1900 the city had more than one million residents and was the fourth biggest city of the German Reich. Its dynamic and lively cultural atmosphere make it a very attractive holiday destination. In February 1945 most of the centre of Dresden and parts of the city’s suburbs were destroyed by air strikes; cultural monuments buried under debris.
After the Second World War Dresden became part of the GDR and was only party reconstructed. Since the German Reunification the city has undergone comprehensive reconstructions and is about to become one of Germany’s most attractive cities.
Dresden Sights & the unique charm of “Florence at the Elbe”
Dresden of today is a work of art boasting fascinating buildings, art treasures and most of all a special kind of charm. Notable sights are:
- Frauenkirche and Neumarkt
The centre of the Old Town is THE place to visit: reconstructed Frauenkirche - the old and new landmark of Dresden. This protestant church was built in the first half of the 18th century, completely destroyed in 1945, reconstructed in the 1990s and consecrated in 2005. At the same time Neumarkt, the new old city centre, was reconstructed step by step. Today Dresden Old Town is a place for strolls, fun and eating out.
- Blue Miracle
Loschwitz Bridge is the city’s landmark and connects the city districts of Blasewitz and Loschwitz.
- Brühl’s Terrace
Nicknamed "The Balcony of Europe", the terrace stretches high above the banks of the river Elbe.
- Zwinger
This building is one of the most important buildings of the Baroque period in Germany. Today it houses the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (focus on Italian Renaissance works and Dutch and Flemish paintings of the 17th century), the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments as well as the Dresden Porcelain Collection.
- Semperoper
This opera house is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It is home to the Saxon State Orchestra. The opera was built in the 19th century and like many other historic buildings destroyed in the Second World War. Its reconstruction took years: it was reopened only in 1985. Semperopernball takes place every year.
- Dresden Castle
The Renaissance style castle was built in the 15th century and after a major fire in the 18th century rebuilt in Baroque style. It was the residence of the electors and kings of Saxony and very important for the cultural development of Dresden. After the war it was rebuilt and today it accommodates the Historic and New Green Vault, the Numismatic Cabinet, and lots more.
- Fürstenzug
Fürstenzug is a 101-metre mural of Meissen porcelain displaying the Wettin dynasty.
- Striezelmarkt
The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is considered the first genuine Christmas market in the world: founded in 1434 it attracts millions of visitors every year.
- Pfunds Molkerei
The world’s most beautiful dairy shop! The interior decoration of the dairy shop founded by the Pfund brothers in 1880 comprises fantastically embellished tile paintings in the style of neo-Renaissance.
Of course, there is lots more to discover such as Großer Garten, Goldener Reiter, the cathedral and, and, and… Dresden is more than words can describe, come and see for yourself.