Places of Interest – Dresden

Many of the famous Dresden sights, such as the Zwinger, the Frauenkirche and the Semper Opera House, are located directly in the historical city centre.
The Neustadt district on the opposite bank of the Elbe presents two faces: The Baroque Quarter with its splendid townhouses and romantic courtyards, and the Outer Neustadt, a scene district characterised by eye-catching contrasts.
Equally worth a visit is the garden town Hellerau, founded in 1909 as an architectural symbiosis of living and working environments, of culture and education.

Zwinger

Dresden's loveliest baroque building is in the heart of the old quarter. It is one of Europe's foremost late-baroque buildings. The Crown Gate (Kronentor) with its golden dome has become a famous Dresden landmark. A "Zwinger" was a type of castle and the name refers to its original location between the outer and inner walls of the fortification. Today, the spacious inner courtyard, various pavilions, arched walkways and gallery building blend together to form a harmonious whole.

Semper Opera House

Dresden has a tradition of opera dating back to the Renaissance period. With its magnificent architecture and acoustics, Dresden's Semper Opera House is one of the leading examples of 19th century theatre architecture. A faithful restoration has seen the opera house returned to its former glory, with its elaborate decor and ornate interior. Its musical tradition and the calibre of the singers who have performed here have made it one of the world's best-known opera houses.

Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)

Dresden's Frauenkirche is one of the finest Protestant churches in Saxony. Completely destroyed in February 1945, the imposing ruins served as a reminder of war and destruction. Using materials salvaged from the rubble, the Frauenkirche has been rebuilt in an archaeological reconstruction – as a place of faith, hope and encounter - supported by generous donations from many countries.