Dresden

Dresden is a beautiful city in eastern Germany, the capital of Saxony. It is only 20 km from the Czech border. The Elba River divided the city into two parts.

Dresden is a calm, cozy and very green city, striking with the purity of air and the hospitality of the townspeople. It is known for its Baroque architectural monuments and magnificent art collections. In cozy hotels, restaurants and cafes of the city, tourists will find a warm haven.

Hotels in Dresden, as elsewhere in Germany, are of a very high standard. Book in advance before traveling online. Compare booking offers I recommend here.

Dresden is poetically referred to as Florence am Elbe. For the first time, Johann Gottfried Herder, an art historian, called him that in the early 19th century. No wonder! Direct analogies were obvious: Italian Florence and German Dresden - cities of art, exquisite architecture, priceless museum collections.

Modern Dresden is a large industrial, transport and cultural center of East Germany with a population of over half a million. The city’s economy specializes in the production of optical, medical and commercial equipment; AMD processors, musical instruments, machinery, and instruments. In Dresden there is a Volkswagen factory for the individual assembly of expensive cars (VW Phaeton), and in the nearby city of Freital, the production of the famous Dresden porcelain.

Sights of Dresden

Zwinger

Zwinger (Zwinger) - a baroque architectural ensemble in the Old Town. A rectangular palace complex frames the courtyard with fountains. The four main buildings with luxurious embossed decor are connected by pavilions and openwork galleries.

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Gallery of Old Masters

The Gallery of Old Masters (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister) is located in the northeast wing of Zwinger. The legendary "Sistine Madonna" by Rafael Santi is exhibited in the Dresden Gallery. The art collection is famous not only for the masterpiece of the Italian painter. It presents a rich collection of paintings of the XV-XVIII centuries. in the style of romanticism, classicism, baroque.

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Armouries

The Armory (Rüstkammer) is located in the former residence of the Saxon Electors. Her artistic and historical collection contains collections of tournament equipment and armor, weapons, jewelry artifacts, trophies, portraits.

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China collection

A collection of porcelain (Porzellansammlung), exhibited in one of the pavilions of Dresden's Zwinger, is considered one of the richest in the world. It contains ceramic figures of animals from the palace of Augustus the Strong, models of ancient sculptures, vases of the Ming dynasty, a collection of products from the Meissen manufactory.

Dresden Castle Residence

The Dresden Castle Residence (Dresdner Residenzschloss) is a historical complex founded in the XII century, repeatedly reconstructed, preserving the architectural features of different eras. Its tallest structure is the Hausmannsturm tower with a viewing platform.

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Grünes Gövölbe

Grünes Gewölbe is a unique jewelery museum. In it you can see jewelry collected by Saxon rulers from the late Middle Ages to the middle of the XVIII century: jewelry, luxurious vessels, goblets, dishes and bowls, household items.

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Procession of princes

"Procession of the Princes" (Fürstenzug) - a plot panel of 25 thousand Meissen tiles on the wall of the former stalls "Stahlhof" - arch gallery Langer Gang. The ceramic painting of the equestrian procession is a copy of the sgraffito of Wilhelm Walter, dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the reign of the Vettins.

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Frauenkirche

Frauenkirche - a monumental church of the Virgin, an example of religious German baroque. The Lutheran Cathedral with a stone dome was built by George Bern in 1726-43. It was destroyed during the Second World War, stood in ruins for a long time, and was restored by 2005.

Hofkirche

Hofkirche is the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the main Dresden Catholic church. The three-nave baroque building with two towers was designed by Gaetano Chiaveri in 1739-55. Inside, the original organ of Zilbermann's work has been preserved. Representatives of the Vettin dynasty are buried in the crypt.

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Kreuzkirche

Kreuzkirche is the main church of the Dresden Evangelical Lutheran community. The Church of the Holy Cross was built in 1792 on the site of an old late Gothic building. Reconstruction in the French Baroque style was carried out by Johann Georg Schmidt.

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Russian Orthodox Church

The Russian Orthodox Church of Dresden was founded in 1872 on a site donated by Russian merchant Alexander Volner. The Church of St. Simeon Divnogorets (Russisch-Orthodoxe Kirche des Heiligen Simeon vom wunderbaren Berge) was built at the expense of Russian nobles and the royal family. The five-headed building is decorated in the Russian-Byzantine style.

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Church of Martin Luther

Martin Luther-Kirche Church in Outer Neustadt was built in the spirit of historicism with elements of the Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Gothic in 1883-87. The temple is designed for 1400 parishioners. The height of its bell tower is 81 m. The tower clock is made at the Bernhard Zachariä factory.

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Church of the Three Magi

The Church of the Three Magi (Dreikönigskirche Evangelical Temple - Dreikönigskirche) is located in Inner Neustadt. In 1739 it was completely rebuilt in the late baroque style. The original relief elements are preserved in the decoration: a seven-meter altar made of sandstone and a frieze by Christopher Walter I - "The Dresden Dance of Death".

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Blue Wonder Bridge

The Blaues Wunder Bridge, the Blue Wonder, is a symbol of the city, built in 1893. It rests on two supports installed on both banks of the Elbe. The length of the openwork metal structure is 280 m, the length of the main span is 146 m.

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Augustus Stone Bridge

Augustus Stone Bridge (Augustusbrücke) stands on the site of older structures that alternately connected the banks of the Elbe. The first wooden bridge, built since 1070, was renovated in 1287, then rebuilt in 1727-31. in baroque style. In 1907-10 reconstruction took place, which opened the passage to river vessels, increasing the capacity of roads. Today, the length of the 9-arch structure is 355 m, the width is 17 m.

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Terrace Bruehl

The Bruhl Terrace (Brühlsche Terrasse) is part of the promenade in the center. The former fortress wall, under which medieval casemates stretch, is now rebuilt into a promenade. It is called the "balcony of Europe." A main staircase leads from the Castle Square to the 10-meter-high terrace.

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Semper Opera

Semperoper Opera is one of the oldest, most beautiful, technically advanced German theaters. Founded in the XVII century, rebuilt in 1847 in the classical style. It was recreated after the fire of 1869, restored after the war only in 1985.

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Statue of Augustus the Strong

The Golden Horseman (Goldener Reiter) - equestrian monument to the Elector of Saxony, the Polish king - Augustus the Strong. The ruler is depicted in the guise of Caesar and Roman armor, on a powerful Lipitsian stallion. The author of the project is the Frenchman Jean-Jose Vinas. The monument was unveiled in 1736.

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Graduate School of Fine Arts

The Higher School of Fine Arts (Hochschule für Bildende Künste Dresden), founded in the 18th century, is housed in three buildings. The main building with a high dome "Zitronenpresse" was built in 1894 on the terrace of Bruhl. The second building is nearby, on Pfotenhauerstrasse; the third is on Guntzstrasse.

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New Town Hall

The new City Hall (Neues Rathaus) rises above Altmarkt since 1910. The one hundred meter dome tower with a gilded figure of Hercules dominates the square. An observation deck is equipped at the 70-meter level, and wine cellars below. The building was built in art nouveau.

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Military History Museum

The Military History Museum of the Armed Forces of Germany (Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr) is a grandiose thematic collection. The expositions covering the period from 1300 show samples of weapons and artillery, equipment and armor, models of fortifications and military vessels, and dummies of war animals.

Museum of Man

The German Museum of Hygiene (Deutsches Hygiene-Museum) or the Museum of Man is located on Lingnerplatz. It was founded in 1930 with the goal of public health education. The museum collection has seven departments, 45,000 items, historical and medical artifacts, dummies, interactive exhibits. It is worth going here to look inside yourself. "Adventure is a man," is the name of the main exposition. Most exhibits can be touched and twisted.

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Museum of Transport

The Transport Museum (Verkehrsmuseum) is housed in the Johanneum building, built in 1590 as a stable at the Dresden Castle. At the exhibition venues, the evolution of all vehicles is presented - from a bicycle to a locomotive and an airplane.

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Jenidze

Yenidze (Yenidze) - a former tobacco and cigarette factory, given over after restoration to a business center. The Art Nouveau building with elements of Moorish architecture was created in 1907-09. The glass colored dome and minarets give the industrial building a resemblance to a mosque.

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Pfunda Dairy Store

Pfunda's dairy shop - "Pfunds Molkerei" - recognized as the most beautiful dairy store in the world (this fact is registered in the Guinness Book of Records). Neo-Renaissance building (1891) stands on the Bautzner Straße. Luxurious interiors are decorated with metlakh tiles with plot painting.

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Pilnitz

Schloss Pillnitz Castle is an architectural and landscape ensemble on the banks of the Elbe, 15 km from the city. It consists of three palaces: two late-baroque and classic - Neues Palais. The buildings are surrounded by vineyards and a regular English park.

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Elba castles

The Elbe castles - the Romanesque-Byzantine Albrechtsberg (Schloss Albrechtsberg), the classic Lingnerschloss (Lingnerschloss) and the neo-Gothic Exberg (Schloss Eckberg) - stand over the Elbe River near the Blaues Wunder bridge. Elegant buildings with flower beds, gardens and parks were built in 1853, 1854 and 1861.

About Albrechtsberg Castle → About Lingner Castle → About Ekberg Castle →

Fun and Holidays

The season of river walks on the Elbe opens on May 1 with a parade of old wheeled ships. Rare steamboats follow the river from Bruhl's terrace: there are instances built 100-150 years ago.

In mid-May, the city celebrates the international Dixieland Week. Jazz groups from different countries perform on 50 stages, a parade of orchestras passes through the streets.

At the end of the month, a festival of classical music opens. Musical groups from all over the world play at concert venues, in castles, museums, parks.

At the end of June, the festival begins BRN - "Colorful Republic of Neustadt." The streets of the Neustadt district are festive processions of local residents. Concerts and performances are held on all open stages.

The Stritselmarkt Christmas Market opens on November 24th. Applied art masters and merchants come to the city. Christmas carols and baroque music sound. On the second Sunday of Advent, Stollentfest - the Holiday of Christmas Pie - takes place.

The second weekend of August - Day of the city of Dresden. More than half a million people participate in festivities. Seven concert venues open, fairs are open. The holiday ends with fireworks.

The past of Dresden

Dresden was first mentioned in 1206 in connection with a lawsuit over disputed territories between the Meissen Church and Count von Don. Then, 8 centuries ago, it was only a small fishing village on the banks of the Elbe, which grew and developed. And already in 1216, Dresden was mentioned as a city claiming a leading role among German lands.

Military and political conflicts and leadership disputes with Prussia, the eternal enemy of Saxony, were very frequent and bloody. In the XV century. Dresden becomes the residence of the Saxon nobility, and then the kings. By the 18th century, during the reign of Augustus the Strong, it turned into a city with a developed culture and economy, into the center of German Enlightenment.

From the 19th century in Dresden, industry, transport, and shipping along the Elbe are beginning to develop. Saxon china was invented, and a school-gymnasium system appeared.

During the bombing of World War II, Dresden suffered tremendous damage. From February 13 to February 14, 1945 the city turned into ruins, about 75% of the buildings were destroyed.

The ruins of historical buildings, churches, palaces were carefully dismantled after the war, fragments are described and taken out of town. The ruins that could not be demolished were demolished. The restoration and reconstruction of the city center stretched for almost 40 years.

Dresden Transport

The public transport of Dresden will help the tourist see the city - buses, trams, electric trains operating with German precision. Ticket price depends on coverage area and duration. For example, a single ticket for a tram or bus valid for 1 hour will cost from € 2.30 to € 8.20.

Ferries and small steamboats regularly run along the Elbe. For a one-way ferry ticket you will have to pay € 1.50, round-trip - € 2.

I advise you to take a ride in the trailer of the outboard railway, which is the oldest operating outboard monorail in the world (one way travel - € 4, round trip - € 5). The Dresden funicular is also considered one of the oldest in Europe.

If you are a lover of antiquity and a romantic, then drive along the Altstadt in a horse-drawn carriage. Taxis run around the city around the clock, which will quickly take you to the right place. Dresden is popular for cycling.

How to get from Dresden airport?

Dresden Airport is located in Kloche, a district of Dresden, 9 km from the center. Take the city train, tram, bus or taxi to cover this distance.

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What's around

Meissen

The town of Meißen, 25 km from Dresden, was founded in the 10th century. The castles of Albrechtsburg and Siebenaiichen, several ancient churches have been preserved here. Meissen's world fame was made by the State Porcelain Manufactory. More about Meissen ...

Saxon Switzerland National Park

Saxon Switzerland is part of the Elbe Mountains, a national park on the territory of 386 km². The beautiful landscapes of the "Route of Artists" attract tourists; climbers can access more than 1,100 peaks. More about the park ...

Königstein Fortress

On the territory of the park there is a military fortress of the XIII century - Königstein. Today it is a museum of 50 buildings, with underground bunkers and casemates, on an area of ​​1.6 km². Read more about the fortress ...

Moritzburg Castle

The romantic baroque castle of Moritzburg, built on the water, is located 14 km from Dresden. Tourists have access to interiors, a hunting collection, and a royal collection of porcelain. In the town of Moritzburg there is an old stud farm. Read more about the castle ...

Freiberg

Freiberg (Freiberg) - a medieval architectural ensemble with historical mines. The town is 40 km from Dresden to the southwest.

Bautzen

Bautzen is 60 km north-east. A city with a thousand-year-old historical center stands on a high plateau above the Spree River. Its main population is the Lusatian Serbs.

Dinosaur park

Next to Bautzen is Dinosaur Park. There among the greenery "live" 200 realistic concrete sculptures of ancient dinosaurs.

Radebeul

The northwestern suburb of Dresden, Radebeul, stands on the Elbe. It is a city of vineyards and winemakers, art workshops, restaurants, luxury villas.

Ore mountains

The Ore Mountains are the area between Saxony and Bohemia. A 150-kilometer narrow strip of hills stretches from Dresden to Karlovy Vary. Here is the popular Silver Road route.

Weesenstein Castle

Weesenstein (Schloss Weesenstein) - a castle with a park of the XIV century, 15 kilometers from the Saxon capital. It combines architectural features from early Gothic to classicism. At the foot of the castle hill is a French park.

Stolpen Fortress

Stolpen is a “black fortress” on a rock, 20 km east of Dresden. On its territory - 82-meter well, punched in basalt rock. Read more about the fortress ...

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Watch the video: Dresden's 70-year trauma (April 2024).