Almost no other city is changing its appearance as fast as Dresden. The Saxon capital continues to develop without respite and is already once more to be counted among the most beautiful cities in Europe. The city does not only offer a great variety of architectural sights but also countless events, initiatives and cultural projects that fill the city with life.

The „Florence of the North“ was already a center for culture in Europe in the days of „Augustus the Strong“ (1670-1733). Many renowned artists gave the city its reputation as a metropolis for art. Whether Richard Wagner or Friedrich Schiller, they all left their mark on the city.

The city on the Elbe is fascinating because of its picturesque location, the combination of architecture and river. The marvels made of sandstone blocks and the fabulous Baroque and 19th century architecture testify to wealth and diversity. But Dresden also has the flair of a rising scientific and economic metropolis.

The baroque Zwinger, the rebuilt Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the Semper Opera House and the baroque Catholic Cathedral, all in the historic centre of Dresden, are the most important sights, which no visitor can afford to miss. They frame „Theaterplatz”, one of the most beautiful squares in Germany.

„Staatskapelle“ (State orchestra), Philharmonic and the Kreuzchor, a boys choir, invite the listener to a celebration of the senses and make Dresden a unique acoustic experience.

And you encounter time and again the beauty of the landscape along the Elbe. A trip on one of the boats belonging to the world’s largest and oldest paddle steamer fleet, to the Chinese-baroque Summer Palace in Pillnitz and its large grounds, is an incomparable experience.

The magic of this city is omnipresent.

After the aerial attack on Dresden in 1945, the ruins of the Frauenkirche lay as a monument against war for more than 40 years. The spectacular reconstruction started in 1993 as the result of a citizen’s action, which rapidly grew into a worldwide movement. Since its reconsecration in 2005, the Frauenkirche is again dominating the Dresden skyline – as the first Baroque church of the new millennium and a symbol for tolerance and peace between peoples and religions.

Art

Music

Theater
The Schauspielhaus is where the „Zeitgeist“, the spirit of our time, is to be found. It is brought to life by the first-class ensemble of Dresden actors and directors as well as noted guests from Germany’s theater metropolises.

Museums
Diamonds, rubies, emeralds - the royal jewelry collection can be admired in the Grünes Gewölbe most famous exhibit is the „Court of the Grand Moghul of Delhi“, crafted at the beginning of the 18th century by Johann Melchior Dinglinger, court jeweller of August the Strong.

The entire city is swinging and jazzing to a different kind of music during the International Dixieland Festival. Numerous bands from Europe and overseas meet every year in mid-May and electrify their audience. The concluding highlight of the jazz festival is the grand parade on historic vehicles from the Grosser Garten to the Kulturpalast.

The attention of the audience is focussed on great movies during the Movie Nights on the banks of the Elbe in July and August. In Germany’s most beautiful open-air movie theater films and concerts are presented against the fabulous silhouette of Dresden’s Old Town.

The Elbhangfest  -  Dresden’s great public festival - takes place every year during the last weekend of June. The street festival extends over seven kilometers. It takes place in the picturesque landscape of Dresden along the Elbe river and includes 5 historic centers stretching up to Pillnitz Castle. Apart from the grand festival parade, markets, concerts, arts and crafts, specialties from Saxony and much more are also part of the program.

Antik Dresden - The art and antiques trade fair in Dresden in the „Ostragehege“ is a meeting place for art aficionados, collectors, people who trade in antiques, antiquarian booksellers, gallery owners, restorers and museum experts. In addition, gourmets and hobby cooks get their money’s worth at the supply and sales exhibition „Wine and Gourmet“ every year in November.

In the Äussere Neustadt (outer new city) Dresden’s nightlife is in full swing, without closing time. Not only were the facades of the old buildings restored, but a collection of new pubs, restaurants, bars and clubs arose - ranging from novel to offbeat, from Indian to gay, from jazz to blues.

Further information: Shopping in Dresden.

A specialty during Advent is the original Dresdner Christstollen, often partaken with a glass of Glühwein. The Dresdner Christstollen was once called Striezel, which lent its name to the Dresden Christmas Market. The climax of the Striezelmarkt is a festive parade with a four meter long Stollen.