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Dresden

Make the most of your time in Dresden, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.

Once affectionately known as ‘Florence on the Elbe’, despite its virtual destruction during World War II Dresden remains one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Its domed cathedrals, historic palaces and baroque architecture have been faithfully restored, creating a city of unrivalled elegance, culture and beauty.

Dresden celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2006. The city was, from the 13th century, the royal residence of the kings of Saxony, who bestowed the city with a great artistic heritage. Of Saxony’s generations of rulers, depicted on the Procession of Princes mural, the reign of Frederick Augustus I was to prove of particular significance in terms of Dresden’s growing international prestige. He brought many of Europe’s finest artists, sculptors, musicians and scientists to Dresden, contributing to the city’s emergence as a leading European centre for technology and art. This is a reputation Dresden has retained to this day, with many of the world’s finest art galleries, museums, theatres and opera houses to be found here.

Dresden’s magnificent baroque architecture proves to be an equal draw for visitors. Until as late as the 20th century Dresden was regarded as one of the pearls of Europe, often reffered to as ‘Florence on the Elbe’. However, on the night of February 13th 1945 allied bombers virtually annihilated the city, destroying three-quarters of the historic Old Town. Many of these lost treasures were faithfully restored over the years, with the exception of Frauenkirche, Dresden’s most famous monument. This church was left as a pile of rubble for nearly 50 years, and was only reconstructed in recent times as a landmark symbol of reconciliation between Germany and her former enemies. Generally speaking the reconstruction process has been a massive success, transforming Dresden from a heap of ruins into one of the most elegant and historic cities in Europe.

But while Dresden’s long history has left an indelible mark, the modern city is as much a tribute to the future as it is to the past. The Old Town’s domed churches and ancient palaces contrast sharply with the new bistros, bars, restaurants and shops springing up everywhere. Visitors can choose between clubbing the night away around Alberplatz in the Neustadt, or dine in the domed shadow of Frauenkirche in the Old Town. The city’s renaissance proves to be working as more and more visitors flock to Dresden. The Saxon capital now attracts some ten million visitors a year, with increasing numbers from as far away as China and the US. As the figures show, whatever you are looking for, be it fine architecture and culture or buzzing clubs and bars, Dresden has it in spades.
 

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