Location: Dresden
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10 Sights & Landmarks in Dresden That You Shouldn't Miss
On the banks of the lovely Elbe River, the German city of Dresden is lush and green, filled with forests and gardens and parks. The city is rich with cultural and artistic history; the great operatic composer Wilhelm Wagner debuted a number of works here in the 1800s and, today, an independent light opera company keeps the classical art form modern and fresh. Culture vultures will love the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister and Grünes Gewölbe museums, and architecture buffs will salivate over the mélange of styles reflected in the cityscape.
Restaurants in Dresden
1. Frauenkirche Dresden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,555 reviews
Once one of Dresden's most famous cathedrals, this structure is currently undergoing a massive reconstruction project to repair the damage done by Allied bombings.
Reviewed By HCovik - Atlanta, United States
It's hard to believe that this beautiful baroque church was completely demolished as a result of allied bombing in February 1945. A piece of the original dome still stands on the square in the same spot as were it landed in 1945. All through the DDR years the church remained a ruin and only after the German reunification effort was made to rebuild it. Restoration started in 1994 and was finished in 2005. What we are looking at is the result. It's absolutely beautiful. It's Baroque at its pinnacle. It actually looks more like an opulent opera building than a church. Its hard to imagine that what we are looking at is less than 25 years old. Frescos on the ceiling look centuries old. Here's were Bach played in 1736 and Wagner conducted. It's absolutely a must see part of Dresden. Being here will give you some sense as to what else was destroyed during the bombings of 1945. The once royal city of the kings of Saxony must have been awesome. The church is open for prayer services, concerts and lectures and the dome can be ascended (between heaven and earth) and offers a stunning view of the city. The first 24 meters (75 ft) are by lift and the the remaining 43 meters (130 ft) take you via narrow stairs, a spiraling ramp and a steep ladder stairway to the viewing platform. Admission fee is 8 Euros for an adult and is definitely worth it.
2. Schloss & Park Pillnitz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 777 reviews
Once a pleasure palace and later summer residence of the Saxon royals, it used to be the venue for many weddings and festivities back in Augustus the Strong’s time. Museums moved into the Palace in the 20th century and the Palace Park is the city’s most beautiful recreational resort for both Dresdeners and tourists from all over the world. Situated only about 15 km from the city center of the Saxon state capital of Dresden, the Pillnitz Palace & Park is regarded one of the most important chinoise palace estates throughout Europe. The ensemble of architecture and landscaping lies before the backdrop of the vineyards, harmoniously embedded in the riverscape of the Elbe River valley. With such diversity, it is thought to be a perfect destination for lovers of culture and gardens and for families.
Reviewed By papadopoulos40 - Coburg, Germany
Big and diverse garden full of exotic trees, nice castle on the riverside of the Elbe, Good connection to public transport, highly recommended.
3. The Dresden Zwinger
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,678 reviews
Situated in the heart of the Saxon state capital, the Dresden Zwinger ranks among Germany’s most well-known Baroque buildings of Germany and is, apart from the Church of Our Lady, certainly the most famous building monument in Dresden. It accommodates internationally renowned museums and is a place for staging music and theater performances.
Reviewed By 817gerryd - Winnipeg, Canada
I marvelled at the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the various instruments displayed in the mathematical gallery of the Zwinger. I thought I would just breeze through but the intricacies of the objects and the fact that there were English explanations really captured my interest even though I am not that interested in Mathematics. There are displays of clocks , surveying equipment, microscopes and telescopes and very old globes as well as many other inventions.Make sure you visit this gallery which is included on your Museum Pass that you can purchase at the Information centre in the middle of the old town. A two day pass is just 22 Euros.
4. Bruehlsche Terrasse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,377 reviews
Once the private garden of the Count of Bruehl, this large open plaza offers the city's best view of the River Elbe. Under the terrace are trenches, battlements and other remnants of the city's original fortifications.
Reviewed By Foto928 - Lanark, Canada
Having taken the Walk On-Walk Off Bus Tour the previous evening we definitely decided to take a walk along this place and loved it. Very interesting buildings facades and great view. Would also recommend to walk over the Augustus Bridge . Since we visited in December it connected us to the Augustus Christmas Market.
5. Procession of Princes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,607 reviews
This 394-foot mural along the wall in the Royal Mews courtyard depicts a parade of Saxony rulers, some walking, others on horseback. Scratched into stucco by the artist in 1876, the mural was later recast onto porcelain tiles and, incredibly, survived the 1945 bombing of Dresden that destroyed most buildings.
Reviewed By jaybeeFL - Palm Harbor, United States
The historical significance of this immense mural is only exceeded by its artistic beauty.The chronological lineage depicted shows the rulers of Saxony over time and is like a history book in wall art. Loved it!
6. Neumarkt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 544 reviews
Reviewed By debsywalker - Slough, United Kingdom
Took a seat by the Martin Luther statue on a lovely sunny evening and watched the world go by, appreciated the amazing architecture and was serenaded by 3 opera singing buskers in the square. Fabulous experience.
7. Katholische Hofkirche
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 690 reviews
Also known as the Cathedral of St. Trinitatis, this is the Catholic Court Church. Houses a famous stone pulpit, 250-year-old organ and the tombs of Saxon rulers.
Reviewed By Omeath
Amazing how well this destroyed church git “ resurrected” / rebuilt over the last decades after WWK II: The largest church of Saxony.Was fortunate to hear the historically unique Silberman- Organ( which “ survived” the war).The church tower and the naves enrich the archtectural ensemble of the historical center of Dresden( inside besides the Silberman Organ the pulpit to be admired)— and the structure of the naves.
8. Royal Palace (Residenzschloss)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 857 reviews
Reviewed By sgec1105 - Winterthur, Switzerland
The palace has been beautifully reconstructed. There is so much to see, that sensory and information overload are guaranteed! As another reviewer commented, this is truly a treasure trove. One wonders where and how they managed to keep so much stuff for the better part of 400 plus years! If your children are into knights, they will surely enjoy the life sized knights on the life sized horses in the exhibits. If you are into coin collections there is an amazing coin collection. If you like medals there are plenty of those too. Well, by now you must have gotten the idea, there is a lot to see and nearly something for every taste.
9. Kunsthofpassage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 641 reviews
Reviewed By 84timothya
Certainly an eclectic and "Bohemian" court. Restaurant charming, nice desserts. Small menu. Artwork is unique. Look for Cow on sign to enter court if your Getman is limited. The area of Neusradt in Dresden is transition . Parking is block away. The singing water troughs are on the inside of the courtyard. There are two ways in. Other shops in courtyard reminiscent of the 70' s
10. Neustadt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
Reviewed By onchurchhill - Danville, United States
You will never see as much graffiti in your life. Don't let it be a turn off. This is one of the most vibrant and one of the safest places in Europe. Neustadt is characterized by families and children, not by gangs -- despite what the graffiti might seem to signal to you. It really is the most fun neighborhood in all of Germany. It's what Berliners THINK Berlin is (hip and cool), but Berlin is really just another big city. Neustadt is a real, living community -- filled with families, hipsters, artists, business people, a genuinely diverse neighborhood that works together. You might not find MacDonalds, but in Neustadt you'll find some of the best coffee shops and restaurants in Germany.
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