Travel Guide to Dresden, Germany

Without a doubt, Dresden is one of the most beautiful European cities. Of course, it's hard to compare it with such metropolises as New-York or Beijing with their skyscrapers and crowded streets, but this city on the Elba doesn't need all that – it has other and not less interesting attractions. That is one of the reasons why there are always a lot of tourists in Dresden. 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. Augustusbrücke Bridge features a truly wonderful panoramic view of the historical buildings and the ancient part of the city. This view inspired Bellotto to create many marvellous paintings that are now kept in Dresden Art Gallery in the Zwinger Palace. The large collection of the world-famous gallery also contains works of Dutch painters and numerous masterpieces by Italian and Spanish artists. This is the place, where the famous Sistine Madonna by Rafael is exhibited. Besides the art gallery, the Zwinger Palace is also the location of the Armoury Museum, the Physico-mathematical salon and a great collection of chinaware, which consists of ancient Japanese and Chinese vases and tea-sets, and Meissen porcelain. The building of the Zwinger Palace started in 1709 and ended only in 1855. The front side of the palace, which once used to be the residence of Saxon Electors, is nowadays completely restored. However, its inner premises and the rear side are still being renovated. You can see these renovation works from the Hausmann tower that features a fantastic panoramic view. The tower also houses an impressive exposition dedicated to Dresden of 1944-45. Here visitors can see old photos that show the destruction of the city after the bombing that claimed the lives of 35 000 people. The modern part of the palace is the location of the exhibition devoted to the famous collection of jewelry by Grünes Gewölbe.

The Hofkirche. Catholic Church Hofkirche is situated not far from the Zwinger Palace. The tower of the church is well seen even from a large distance. Outside the church makes an impression of a dark and gloomy building, but inside it's full of light. The famous 'Furstenzung' picture connects the Palace and the Johanneum, the building, where the 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 exchanged for 23 921 slabs from Meissen porcelain. The large painting depicts the dynasty of Vetting’s, the Saxon rulers.

The Bruehl Terrace. The Bruehl terrace is located along the Elba. The fabulous promenade made of former coastal fortifications is often called 'The European Balcony'. The Bruehl Terrace got its name from earl Henry fon Bruehl, who founded his palace and amusement park there in 1739-48. The former ancestral estate that was built for the second prince in the family is also located there. The Academy of Art is built in the neo-baroque style. Visitors are recommended to attend the former arsenal Albertum. Nowadays, the building has been turned into a museum. Earlier one of the best restaurants in the city was situated north-west from The Bruehl Terrace. In 1945 the restaurant was closed. Nowadays, there are plans to restore the 'Belvedere'. Go north from the building, and you will find a wonderful embankment with a beautiful terrace and a mooring line. There are always ships and steamers there. If the weather is fine, a voyage on such a steamer will certainly leave many unforgettable impressions.

Frauenkirche. If you go downtown and walk along cozy Munzgasse Street, you will eventually find yourself in Frauenkirche at Noitmarkt Square. This round church made of sandstone was built during 6000 days in 1726-1743. The project of the church belongs to architect George Bar. In 1945, during just one night, the church was totally destroyed. When Germany united, it was decided to give Dresden its ancient look back. Therefore, the marvellous Frauenkirche was rebuilt. The reconstruction started in 1994, and the grand opening took place in 2005.

The New City. After 1989 the area of the new part of the city between the Elba and Albertplatz has been turned into the most popular place in Dresden. The district is mostly covered with 4- or 5-storey buildings of the 18th century. The majority of them are placed along Keningstrasse. At a glance this street may seem quite dull, but if you look more attentively, you will find beautiful gangways and cozy courtyards with good cafes and restaurants. The district is also home to numerous boutiques, galleries, antique shops and even a theatre. If you want to do some shopping, Hauptstrasse will be your best choice. Tourists, who want to visit large department stores and shopping centres, are recommended to visit Alkmarkt and Pragestrasse, which are also located in the ancient part of the city.

The Semper Opera House. The origins of Dresden opera go back to the Renaissance epoch. The architecture and acoustics of magnificent Semper Opera House are truly splendid, so there’s no wonder why so many tourists come to see this true masterpiece of theatre architecture of the 19th century. The building was thoroughly reconstructed. During the reconstruction it got back its original sculpture decoration and ornaments. Due to musical traditions and highest quality 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