| The beautiful city at the Elbe river belongs
through the wealth of its cultural and art treasures as well as its
attractive situation to the prettiest cities of Europe. Dresden has
been the residence of sovereigns and kings already since 1425
At the end of World War II Dresden was almost totally destroyed within
3 days fire-bombing 13.-15. February 1945 about 30.000 people died! Today
the city of Dresden presents itself after decades of reconstruction in
its old splendour again. The faithful reconstruction of the
Frauenkirche
(church of our Lady) is the most recent and most beautiful
examples of international solidarity with the sorely tried city.
The most beautiful buildings of the baroque
old town were created during the regency of August the Strong (1694 -1733),
who was simultaneously also king of Poland. He was a great sponsor of the
arts and enriched the saxon treasury with numerous precious objects.
About 3000 works out of this collection are issued in the green
vault. It is the largest art collection
of this type in Europe. King August the Strong died in Poland, but
its heart is buried in the crypt of the cathedral
of Dresden (former Hofkirche).
 One
of the most famous buildings and a must if you visit Dresden, is the Zwinger
(1711-22 built by Pöppelmann). In its architecture, the baroque
building is modelled on a Roman amphitheater. The representative
festival place was determined for courtly purposes and is surrounded by
Gallerien and charming pavilions. Today the Zwinger hosts valuable
art collections: one of the most important painting collections of the
world in the building of the Semper Gallery
(north east-wing of the Zwinger, build 1847-1855 by G. Semper), the china
collection of August the Strong, the Rüstkammer with a collection
of historic arms u. a. m.
Another highlight of your stay in Dresden should be a visit of the
Semper
Opera House. The list of the sight is long....
Discover old town on foot and enjoy the Flair and the beauty of this
enchanting city; have a rest in the shadow of Brühl's Terraces, invigorate
yourself in one of the numerous historic restaurants or enjoy a ride on
board of a paddle steamer to the numerous sights in the closer sourroundings.
City Views
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