Travel Guide to Dresden, Germany

It goes without saying that Dresden is one of the most beautiful European cities. Of course it's hard to compare it with such metropolises as New-York or Peking with their skyscrapers and crowded streets, but this city on the Elba doesn't need all that: it's attractive with very other things. That's why there you can always see a lot of tourists. Dresden is such a fantastic city, that even after living there for a long time, you can't stop admiring its beauty.

The Zwinger Palace. From the Augustusbrücke Bridge one can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view on the historical buildings of the ancient part of the city, which inspired Bellotto to create marvelous paintings that are kept in Dresden Art Gallery in the Zwinger Palace. The large collection of the world-famous gallery also contains the works of Dutch painters and a big section of the Italian and Spanish artists. It is the very place, where the famous Rafael's 'Sistine Madonna' takes place. Besides the art gallery in The Zwinger Palace there is also the Armory Museum, the Physico-mathematical salon and a great collection of chinaware, which consists of ancient Japanese and Chinese vases and tea-sets, and also wares of Meissen porcelain. The building of the Zwinger Palace started in 1709 and ended only in 1855. The fronts of the palace that used to be the residence of Saxon Electors nowadays are completely restored, but inside and the behind part are still being worked over. It's well seen from the Hausmann tower with its panoramic view. In the tower you can also look at the impressive exposition about Dresden of 1944-45, the photos shows the destruction after the senseless bombing that took the lives of 35 000 people. In the modern part of the palace the famous collection of jewelry by Grünes Gewölbe is exhibited.

The Hofkirche. Not far from the Zwinger palace the Catholic Church Hofkirche is situated, the tower of which is well-seen from a large distance. Outside church lives an impression of a dark and gloomy building, but inside it's full of light. The famous picture 'Furstenzung' connects the Palace and the Johanneum, the building, where Dresden Transport Museum is located. The 100-meter wall was painted in the sgraphito technique. In the beginning of the 20th century the painting was changed for 23 921 slabs from Meissen porcelain. On the Saxon rulers Vetting's dynasty procession is depicted.

The Bruehl Terrace. Along the Elba lies the Bruehl terrace, the fabulous way made of former coastal fortifications is also often called 'The European Balcony'. Its name the Bruehl Terrace got from earl Henry fon Bruehl, who in 1739-48 founded there his palace and amusement park. There takes place the former ancestral estate that was built for the second princes in the family, the Academy of Art built in neo-baroque style and the former arsenal Albertum, where nowadays the museum is placed. To the north-west from The Bruehl Terrace before 1945 one of the best restaurants used to be situated, nowadays it is planned to restore the 'Belvedere'. A little bit northerly you'll find the of the terrace with the mooring line for the steamships of the 'White fleet'. If the weather is fine, a voyage by such a steamship will leave unforgettable impressions.

The Frauenkirche. If you go downstairs and walk along cozy Munzgasse street, you'll find yourself at the Frauenkirche at Noitmarkt Square. This round church from sandstone was in 6000 days in 1726-1743 by the architect George Bar. In 1945 during one night it was totally destroyed. When Germany united, it was decided to give back to Dresden its ancient look with the marvelous Frauenkirche. The reconstruction started in 1994 and in 2005 the grand opening came about.

The New City. The area of the new part of the city between the Elba and Albertplatz after 1989 was turned into the most popular place in Dresden. It stands out with 4- or 5-stored buildings of the 18th century, placed along Keningstrasse. From the first sight this street may seem quite dull, but if to look more attentively and to go deeper, you'll find beautiful gangways and cozy courtyard with good cafes and restaurants. There are also a lot of boutiques, galleries, antique shops and a mall theatre. If you want to do some shopping, you'd better go to Hauptstrasse. Department stores and shopping centers you'll find at the Alkmarkt and Pragestrasse in the ancient part of the city.

The Semper Opera House. The beginnings of Dresden opera goes to the Renaissance epoch. The architecture and acoustics of the magnificent Semper Opera House give us bases to consider it one of the masterpieces of theatre architecture of 19th century. The building was thoroughly reconstructed and it again got its original sculpture decoration and the ornaments. Due to the musical tradition and irreproachable quality The Saxon National Opera in Dresden belongs to the most famous opera houses in the world.

Read more about Dresden:
Restaurants and cuisine in Dresden
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Dresden
Nightlife and attractions in Dresden
Preparing for Dresden: Advices
Dresden photogallery