AmyHuang
Germany: A Surviving Dresden
Old and tragic. The former East German city of Dresden was levelled by Allied forces in 1945 but now most of the city’s impressive Baroque buildings have been restored, including the architectural masterpiece – the Frauenkirche.
Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady, is probably Dresden's most famous church, was undergoing massive reconstruction when I visited in 2003. From the photos here you can see that they have decided to use some of the old bricks in combination with the new bricks to reconstruct this building, which in a way... makes the church look 'dotty' because the old bricks have been blackened with layers and layers of soot. You’ll find this is common in Dresden where buildings have been tarred from pollution over the years and the once white sandstones are now dirty and charcoal.
Another important landmark in old Dresden city is the Zwinger (No, not the chicken Zwinger from KFC…) Built between 1710 ~ 1728, the Zwinger is the most perfect Late Baroque structure in Dresden, now houses four separate museums. Right next to the Zwinger is the Cathedral, whose crypt eerily houses the sarcophagus of the Wettins and a case containing the heart of Augustus the Strong.
One less advertised structure is the Dresden fort along the Elbe under Brühl‘s Terrace. The brick gate entrance is said to be 400 years old. Check out the many relics on display and learn of the defence system that once protected Dresden from its enemies. The fortress is now part of the Dresden Elbe Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History and culture is everywhere in Dresden and the best way is to walk around the Altmarkt area and explore. You can experience the old Dresden as well as the Dresden during its East Germany days to now. Seasonal markets open in the Altmarkt square where you can find the best season produces and crafts for reasonable prices. During December the old German tradition of the Christmas Market also happen here and is a great Christmas experience if you are around.
A visit to Dresden cannot be complete without attending a performance at Semper Opera House, where the likes of Strauss and Wagner premiered here during their times. Enquire at Dresden Information on Pragerstrasse and they can even assist you with tickets.
Of course, if you are a car enthusiast, you’d want to head over to the “Transparent” factory of Volkswagen, where you can see first hand how these former East German brand now luxury cars, are made.
For further information on Dresden visit City of Dresden Tourism
The 2003 image of reconstruction of the Frauenkirche (now complete)
Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady, is probably Dresden's most famous church, was undergoing massive reconstruction when I visited in 2003. From the photos here you can see that they have decided to use some of the old bricks in combination with the new bricks to reconstruct this building, which in a way... makes the church look 'dotty' because the old bricks have been blackened with layers and layers of soot. You’ll find this is common in Dresden where buildings have been tarred from pollution over the years and the once white sandstones are now dirty and charcoal.
Another important landmark in old Dresden city is the Zwinger (No, not the chicken Zwinger from KFC…) Built between 1710 ~ 1728, the Zwinger is the most perfect Late Baroque structure in Dresden, now houses four separate museums. Right next to the Zwinger is the Cathedral, whose crypt eerily houses the sarcophagus of the Wettins and a case containing the heart of Augustus the Strong.
One less advertised structure is the Dresden fort along the Elbe under Brühl‘s Terrace. The brick gate entrance is said to be 400 years old. Check out the many relics on display and learn of the defence system that once protected Dresden from its enemies. The fortress is now part of the Dresden Elbe Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Baroque buildings of Dresden (Royal Palace and Opera House in view)
History and culture is everywhere in Dresden and the best way is to walk around the Altmarkt area and explore. You can experience the old Dresden as well as the Dresden during its East Germany days to now. Seasonal markets open in the Altmarkt square where you can find the best season produces and crafts for reasonable prices. During December the old German tradition of the Christmas Market also happen here and is a great Christmas experience if you are around.
A visit to Dresden cannot be complete without attending a performance at Semper Opera House, where the likes of Strauss and Wagner premiered here during their times. Enquire at Dresden Information on Pragerstrasse and they can even assist you with tickets.
Of course, if you are a car enthusiast, you’d want to head over to the “Transparent” factory of Volkswagen, where you can see first hand how these former East German brand now luxury cars, are made.
Typical former East German housings are everywhere to be seen
For further information on Dresden visit City of Dresden Tourism
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Dresden is so beautiful. The first time I was there the recontruction of the Frauenkirche had not begun yet, but even as a ruin it was pretty impressive.
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