Summary
Positioned along the Elbe River in the Saxony region, Dresden is renowned for its Baroque architectural marvels that have been restored since the devastation of war. The Wettins, a lineage of Electors and Kings, governed the state and kingdom of Saxony from Dresden from the 13th to the 20th centuries.
Among these rulers, none possessed as much influence as Augustus II the Strong in the 18th century. His contributions significantly enhanced the extensive Staatliche Kunstsammlung (State Art Collections), which span various historical buildings throughout the city. This remarkable collection features invaluable gold artifacts, masterpieces by Renaissance artists, exotic porcelain, classical sculptures, ceremonial weaponry, and much more, offering an extensive experience for visitors.
Let’s delve into the top attractions in Dresden:
1. Frauenkirche
Dominating the Neumarkt, the impressive Frauenkirche features one of the largest church domes in Europe.
The original structure was finalized in 1743, under the direction of architect George Bähr, who did not live to see its completion.
Sadly, Frauenkirche was completely demolished in 1945. Initially, the rubble was left at Neumarkt as a war memorial before being relocated to storage in the 1980s in anticipation of its reconstruction.
Reconstruction commenced in 1994, utilizing many preserved materials (3,500 individual stones), and was concluded in 2005. A new gilded cross and orb atop the dome were crafted in London as a symbol of reconciliation, while the damaged original cross is displayed next to the church’s new altar.
2. Zwinger Palace
As one of Germany’s most celebrated Baroque structures, the Zwinger was commissioned by Saxon Elector Augustus II the Strong in the late 16th century to host extravagant court celebrations.
Construction was completed in the early 18th century by court architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann and sculptor Balthasar Permoser.
Originally envisioned as an orangery, the complex evolved into a series of richly adorned pavilions and gardens, accentuated by galleries adorned with balustrades and statues.
A particularly theatrical feature is the Nymphenbad (Nymph’s Bath), a fountain nestled within a hollow adorned by nymph sculptures positioned in niches along the balustrade.
The pavilions within the Zwinger host a variety of museums based on the state collections, with one of the best being covered next.
3. Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
The Sempergalerie within the Zwinger houses one of the world’s most remarkable assemblages of Italian, Spanish, Dutch, and Flemish Renaissance art.
This collection was initiated by Augustus I in the 16th century but significantly expanded in 1746 during Augustus III’s reign, following the acquisition of a significant portion of the Duke of Modena Francesco III’s collection.
Expect to encounter an extensive array of works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, van Eyck, Titian, Raphael, Giorgione, Lucas Cranach the Elder, Hans Holbein the Younger, El Greco, Zurbarán, Canaletto, van Dyck, Rubens, and many others.
Approximately 750 artworks are on display at any given time, representing just over a third of the entire collection.
4. Semperoper
Named after its designer Gottfried Semper and inaugurated in 1878, Dresden’s splendid opera house ranks among the most esteemed performing arts venues globally.
This was the second opera house established at this site after the original was destroyed by fire in 1869. Semper also designed the first building, which was completed in 1841. The magnificent Neo-Baroque/Italian Renaissance auditorium was devastated during the war but was reopened in the mid-1980s.
On the facade, look for the statues of prominent figures like Goethe, Schiller, Shakespeare, Molière, Euripides, and Sophocles.
In the 19th century, Semperoper hosted world premieres of operas by Wagner and Richard Strauss (Elektra, Salome, Der Rosenkavalier). For those unable to attend a performance, guided tours in English and German of the splendid interior are available throughout the day at 15 to 30-minute intervals.
5. Dresdner Residenzschloss
This Renaissance palace served as the residence for the Electors and later the Kings of Saxony from the 16th to the 19th century.
Similar to the Zwinger, the palace now hosts an array of museums dedicated to the state’s collections.
The Green Vault, particularly exquisite, is the royal treasury, which will be discussed next.
Additionally, visitors can explore the Dresden Armoury, showcasing a remarkable collection of ceremonial armor, weapons, and regalia, as well as the Turkish Chamber, one of the most significant repositories of Ottoman art outside of Turkey.
The palace also features the Kupferstich-Kabinett, housing a collection of approximately 500,000 sketches, prints, and drawings by artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Goya, Michelangelo, Jan van Eyck, Rubens, and Rembrandt.
In addition, the Münzkabinett, which is the state coin collection, includes 300,000 pieces from antiquity to the present, representing various regions worldwide.
6. The Green Vault
Located on the first and second floors of the western section of the Dresdner Residenzschloss are the astonishing treasure chambers of the Saxony Electors.
The Green Vault, initiated by Moritz of Saxony in the 16th century, was later expanded during the 18th century by Augustus II the Strong, transforming the chambers into one of the earliest public museums worldwide.
Augustus II aimed to create a Gesamtkunstwerk (comprehensive artwork) to symbolize power and affluence.
The restored Historical Green Vault, situated on the first floor, boasts approximately 3,000 masterworks crafted from gold, ivory, silver, and amber.
The adjacent New Green Vault on the upper floor is a distinct museum, focusing on the masterpieces of the virtuoso goldsmith Johann Melchior Dinglinger, a favored artisan of Augustus II the Strong.
7. Fürstenzug
On the east side of the Residenzschloss, visit the facade of the Stallhof on Augustusstraße to find a porcelain mural spanning 102 meters.
This significant artwork was initially painted in the early 1870s and subsequently replaced with porcelain tiles in the 1900s for longevity.
Fascinatingly, the Fürstenzug chronicles all 35 rulers of the House of Wettin, commencing with the margraves of the 12th century and progressing through the Dukes and Imperial Electors to the Kings in the 19th century.
8. Dresden Porcelain Collection
In the southern halls of the Zwinger Palace, the state porcelain collection established by Augustus II the Strong in 1715 awaits. Here, one can admire a collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain amassed throughout the 18th century.
Notable pieces include Imari ware, crafted for export during the 17th and 18th centuries, along with porcelain from the Ming (14th-17th century) and Qing (17th-20th century) dynasties.
Additionally, the museum showcases locally produced Meissen porcelain, featuring figurines, a table setting belonging to Frederick Augustus III, and vessels embellished with Rococo and oriental designs.
The collection contains over 20,000 pieces; however, only 10% can be exhibited at any one time, leading to regular updates of the displays.
9. Brühl’s Terrace
Located just north of the Frauenkirche, Brühl’s Terrace is a distinguished 500-meter-long panoramic promenade that offers stunning views of the Elbe, situated on the left bank between the Augustusbrücke and the Carolabrücke.
The terrace is accessible via a grand staircase connecting it to the cathedral and can be traced back to the period of Dresden’s fortifications.
Its name originates from the 18th century, in honor of statesman Heinrich von Brühl, who constructed a series of opulent buildings in this area following the demolition of the walls.
While only the gardens on the eastern side remain, the rest of the terrace is marked by public edifices and museums in a historicist architectural style.
Among the notable sculptures along the walkway are those depicting Gottfried Semper and a monument dedicated to Caspar David Friedrich.
10. Albertinum
Positioned on Brühl’s Terrace, the Renaissance Revival Albertinum was erected in the 1880s as a residence for the royal sculpture collection.
Currently, in addition to housing the Skulpturensammlung, it features the New Masters Gallery, showcasing contemporary works collected after 1843. This gallery presents an extensive collection that includes significant works from the Romantic (Friedrich, Richter), Impressionist (van Gogh, Monet), Symbolist (Klimt, Munch), and Expressionist movements (Klee, Kirchner). The Skulpturensammlung offers over five millennia of sculptural art, spanning from Classical Antiquity to the 21st century, including pieces by Rodin, Degas, and Lehmbruck.
11. Dresden Cathedral
Following the conversion of the Albertine Wettins to Catholicism under Augustus II the Strong to become eligible for the Polish throne in the 18th century, the construction of a new court church commenced.
Positioned by the Elbe at the western end of Brühl’s Terrace, it was designed in an Italian Baroque style by architect Gaetano Chiaveri, who was born in Rome.
The church was not designated as a cathedral until the 1960s and stands today as a testament to Dresden’s resilience following the war.
In total, 49 members of the Albertine line of the Wettin family are interred in the crypt, including Augustus I, Augustus III, all 19th-century Kings of Saxony, as well as the heart of Augustus II the Strong.
The cathedral features the last of four organs crafted by master Gottfried Silbermann in the early 1750s.
12. Neustadt
Comprising an inner and outer neighborhood on the right bank of the Elbe, Neustadt is the area of Dresden that underwent reconstruction following a fire in the 1730s, hence its designation as “new.” The inner section is situated within Dresden’s former fortifications, and since 1989, it has become renowned for its street art and countercultural scene, coexisting alongside architectural landmarks such as the Japanisches Palais, which serves as a host for Dresden’s ethnology and pre-history museums.
Featuring around 150 restaurants and bars, the outer Neustadt is among the premier nightlife destinations in Germany.
Attend the Bunt Republik Neustadt festival, a vibrant three-day celebration held in June.
13. Kunsthofpassage
While wandering through Neustadt, one might stumble upon a passageway through a series of courtyards, each showcasing imaginative designs.
For instance, the Hof der Elemente (Courtyard of the Elements) features an intricate arrangement of drainpipes fashioned like musical instruments along the facade.
During rainfall, the water produces harmonious sounds.
Hof des Lichts (Courtyard of Light) is equipped with projection screens for multimedia performances and metallic mirrors that illuminate the courtyard, casting artistic patterns on the walls.
Do not miss Hof der Fabelwesen (Courtyard of Mythical Creatures), where artist Viola Schöpe has adorned the walls with enchanting paintings and ceramic mosaics depicting fantastical creatures.
Scattered throughout Kunsthofpassage, visitors will discover charming cafes, art galleries, and unique shops.
14. Pillnitz Palace & Park
A few kilometers up the Elbe from Dresden lies the summer residence of the Electors and Kings of Saxony.
Pillnitz consists of a trio of palatial structures: the Wasserpalais (Waterfront Palace), Bergpalais (Upper Palace), and the Neues Palais, a Neoclassical edifice constructed during the 1820s.
The Wasserpalais and Bergpalais exhibit a delightful amalgamation of Baroque architecture and Chinoiserie, which was in vogue during the 1720s.
Presently, they house state collections of applied arts, encompassing ceramics, furniture, and textiles dating back to the 1200s.
The Neues Palace offers a museum dedicated to the history of the complex and the court intrigues that unfolded here in the 18th century.
The stunning 28-hectare grounds feature the Conifer Garden and Dutch Garden, adorned with rare trees.
15. Panometer
In 2006, Austrian artist Yadegar Asisi introduced his “Panometer” concept to Dresden by installing a panoramic image measuring 27 meters in height and 127 meters in circumference within a decommissioned telegraphic gasometer located in the Reick district.
This attraction leverages the gasometer’s hollow interior to illustrate panoramas of Dresden from various historical periods.
Upon its inauguration, the image depicted Dresden at its zenith of power in the mid-18th century.
Following the 70th anniversary of Dresden’s bombing in 2015, a new panorama was unveiled, showcasing the extent of the damage and subsequent reclamation, juxtaposed with scenes from the city’s Baroque glory days, partially inspired by Canaletto’s iconic landscapes of Dresden.
