The historical city of Dresden is the traditional capital of Saxony. Much of this German city has been reconstructed since the Second World War, and it now stands as a monument of German history, culture and architecture.
A visit to Dresden is incomplete without a tour of the Neumarkt – where one of the city’s oldest churches, Frauenkirche, is located. This building was completely destroyed after the 1945 bombings but was reestablished in 2005. A walk through the art museum of Albertinum will acquaint you with Dresden's magnificent art history. Featuring works from the Romantic period to the present day, Albertinum is a national treasure.
Often called the Venice of Germany, Dresden boasts some of the architectural gems of the country. The Zwinger Palace, an example of baroque architecture used for courtly activities in the 18th century, is a palace complex featuring numerous sculptures with a magnificent art gallery inside. The Semperoper is a spectacular opera house whose exterior is reminiscent of Early Renaissance and Baroque styles. Its semi-circular gallery seats over a thousand viewers.
Dresden’s Neustadt, or new district, is located on the right bank of the Elbe and was restored after a deadly 18th-century fire. From art galleries and vintage stores to lively bars and clubs, this part of Dresden has plenty to offer to its visitors. An interesting site here is the Kunsthofpassage, which is a line of courtyards with whimsical designs. Hof der Elemente, a tourist magnet with uniquely-shaped drain pipes, is also located here.