Dresden - baroque jewel of Saxony Dresden offers attractions in great variety and combines three aspects which complement one another: notable art treasure, architectural sights and a charming landscape. Magnificent promenades on the bank of the Elbe, interesting museums and institutions, industrial monuments, charming details. A trip to Dresden is always a great experience. The severe destruction at the end of the Second World War robbed Dresden of many of its architectural monuments. In the meantime, however, endlessly painstaking work, under the supervision of committed and expert monument curators, has succeeded in restoring the city’s reputation as a pearl of European architecture. Dresden is considered a city of art and culture, but it is also an important technology hub. A network of research, science and culture has been established in the city, with a total of nine colleges and universities. The Technische Universitaet, with 35,000 students, is one of the largest universities in Germany.
Frauenkirche Dresden’s most famous symbol is the rebuilt Frauenkirche. This monumental Protestant church was constructed between 1726 and 1743, reduced to ruins on 13/14 February 1945 and rebuilt from the 1990s. In 2005 it was reconsecrated. On the surrounding Neumarkt square, the typical Baroque gabled houses were rebuilt section by section. After more than half a century, the city’s new old centre has returned. Since October, 30th 2005 the steeple of the Frauenkirche overtops the Dresden skyline again. The reconstruction of the Frauenkirche is an impressive symbol of international reconciliation after World War II. The consecration attracted attention throughout the world. Millions of people have already visited the Frauenkirche. The sacred building was erected between 1726 and 1743, following the designs of George Bähr. Its characteristic dome, called the “stone bell” owing to its shape, collapsed on February 15th, 1945 under the rain of bombs. An anti-war monument during the GDR period, the rebuilding is finished now. The Frauenkirche is a symbol of conciliation, largely with donations from German and international foundations. The Neumarkt quarter around the church is also to regain its status as the historical heart of the city.
Neumarkt Square The Neumarkt Square, probably the best-known square in Dresden’s downtown, is being reconstructed gradually, following its former opulent Baroque design. The goal of the new buildings is to recreate the historic structures. The Neumarkt area has only been part of Dresden since 1548. The square developed its structure and its particular charm during the Renaissance, characterized by the typical gabled houses. With its continuing construction during the early Baroque period, the Neumarkt matured into a completed work of art. The Seven Years’ War from 1756 to 1763 seriously damaged the area. The square was later rebuilt in a simpler late-Baroque style. With the construction of the Frauenkirche in 1726 -1743, by George Baehr, the area came together more strongly and created a symbolic whole for the first time. In subsequent years the square changed very little, but it did bear witness to numerous political conflicts, such as the revolutionary street battles in May 1849 and the destructive attacks of World War II. The ruins of the Frauenkirche and its surrounding area remained untouched for many years, acting as a memorial. The dedication of the Frauenkirche on October 30, 2005 breathed new life into the Neumarkt. Since then, numerous historic quarters have been renovated, combining elements of the traditional and the modern. The stately houses, with their faithful recreations of the original façades, lend historic flair and create an inviting strolling, shopping and dining experience.
Royal Palace Dresden’s Royal Palace was once the hub of power for the Saxon princes and kings. First mentioned in the 14th century as a castle complex, the four-wing palace structure was developed in the 15th century. After it was destroyed by fire in 1701, the palace was reconstructed under Augustus the Strong. After air attacks during the last few months of the Second World War, the palace – with its approximately 500 halls and rooms – once again burned down to its foundations. Most of the valuable interior furnishings were lost. In 1985, reconstruction began on the palace to create a museum complex for the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (Dresden State Art Collections). The first museum to move into the Royal Palace was the Kupferstich-Kabinett (Collection of Prints, Drawings and Photographs); it has been displaying its treasures there since April 2004. The New Green Vault was opened in September 2004. Since September 2006, the Historic Green Vault can once again be admired in its original rooms. Today, the exterior of the Royal Palace is decorated in Neorenaissance style, while the large courtyard of the palace displays Renaissance-style sgraffito paintings. The Hausmann Tower overlooks the whole ensemble, offering a wonderful view of the Old Town. Starting in 2010, after five years of construction, the English Stairway in the Dresden Royal Palace is once again accessible. The Baroque stairway was reconstructed at a cost of four million euros, following its original historic pattern. In the future, it will serve as the main entrance for the museums of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen. The Türckische Cammer (Turkish Chamber) was also opened in March 2010, containing countless small treasures that were not open to the public for more than seventy years. The renovation of the Palace is completed since 2013.
Semper Opera Dresden’s Semper Opera House is the most famous opera house in Germany; it houses the Saxon State Orchestra, one of the world’s oldest and best-known orchestras. Built by Gottfried Semper between 1838 and 1841, the Semper Opera House was closed in August 1944 and was destroyed six months later by the Allied air attacks. Its reconstruction was a long time coming. Until 1985, Dresden residents were forced to do without their famous edifice. The ceremonial rededication took place on February 13, 1985, exactly 40 years after its destruction. The first performance was “Der Freischütz” by Carl Maria von Weber. The “Dresdener Festtage” in February and March 2010 commemorated the opening of the Semper Opera House by establishing the Dresden Peace Prize; it was awarded to Mikhail Gorbachev.
Zwinger Palace The most significant building of the late Baroque period, the Zwinger is a composite work of art combining architecture, sculpture and painting. Built 1710-28 by the architect Pรถppelmann in cooperation with the sculptor Permoser. Originally designed as an orangery and a setting for court festivities, it was later used for exhibitions. Most perfect example of Late Baroque architecture in Germany. Construction of the Semper Gallery 1847-55. In the Zwinger Palace are located the Old Masters Picture Gallery, the Porcelain Collection and the Museum of Mathematics and Physics.
Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe Located right next to the famous Frauenkirche, Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe in Dresden boasts an extremely convenient central position. Landmarks such as Semper Opera House, Zwinger and Royal Palace are within easy walking distance, each no more than 7 to 10 minutes away. In each of our 185 rooms and suites you’ll enjoy the following amenities: flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, minibar, 1 bottle of water per booking, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a safe.