Tourist Guide to Dresden: The Old City

Dresden provides its visitors with a lot of tourist attractions in huge variety. From the Dresden Zwinger, that no book about the history of architecture could miss mentioning to the Frauenkirche Church, Semper Opera House and Royal Palace, the city is filled with ensembles that determine its unique image.

The mischievous angels from Raphael's "The Sistine Madonna" advertise Dresden's art treasures globally. Whether it's the Stunning walkways on the Elbe's bank, fascinating establishments or interesting museums- Dresden has loads for you to explore.

Use VisitGermany.com to Learn All About Dresden's Places of Interest

Visit Dresden- The Saxon Capital Here at VisitGermany.com, we strongly believe that a successful tourist guide is the one that combines the traditional sightseeing and some new and unconventional hot spots. Hopefully you would find all essential tourist information you need while going to the city of Dresden. For your convenience, we chose to begin with the Old City.

Dresden's Old City

The old part of the city of Dresden's and its historical core is situated on the Elbe's left bank, at the tip of a charming river curve. The city is well-fortified, which means it was sheltered for decades and so was free to developed rich social life and an air of magnificence.

Even nowadays the stunning Renaissance's structures, baroque and nineteenth century style shape the Elbe facade and are the key feature in the face of the city of Dresden. This city is ancient and powerful and tourists that arrive at the city's old sectors often feel as though they have travelled through time. But the city is much more than an archeological masterpiece. It also holds many cultural assets and is known for its prestige, fabulous monuments and classical taste.

Despite of the massive destruction the city went through during World War Two, the Dresden's Old City has managed to maintain much of its original beauty and is extremely well- preserved. One of Dresden's most famous reconstructed buildings is the monumental Dresden Frauenkirche Church. This superb baroque dome manages to remain a center presence in the ancient city even today.

There is no chance of capturing the many tourist attractins in the old city in one single page. A visitor much not miss the chance to see the "Green Vault", the reputable treasure chamber of the powerful Saxon kings or make a stop and at the Old Masters Picture Gallery and view the many prominent historical masterpieces. There are numerous significant cultural establishments to be found along the Old City-side near the river and you can spend a day or two exploring them.

Suprisingly enough, the Old City is not just a memoir of a great past but also the center of Modern Dresden's city life. Tourists that make their way into the area can find plentiful of culture as well as modern-style entertainment. The best place to look is around the Altmarkt square and obviously - the Prager Strasse shopping center, because even the most stylish city these days cannot do without a mall.

Zwinger

The Zwinger Palace is well-known as the most perfect example of late-Baroque German architecture and is one of Dresden's most famous landmarks. It was constructed in the 18 century in a rare corporation by the accomplished architect Poppelmann and the sculptor Permoser. Even though it was originally planned as a place for court festivities and tournaments, the palace became a gigantic museum over the years. It is includes pavilions and art galleries including Old Masters Picture Gallery, Zoological Museum, Porcelain Collection, and many more.

The Green Vault

The Green Vault is one of Europe's most extravagant and unique treasure halls. Nowadays the renowned collection of the Wettin electors has been placed back in its original location in the Dresden Royal Palace and there tourist can witness its magnitude and admire the stunning treasures of gold, silver, amber, bronze, amber, ivory and of course to see the precious gems, including the Dresden Green Diamond, after which the New Green Vault is named.

Hear the Music of Angels in the Semper Opera House

Semper Opera House (is officially known as the Saxony State Opera ) is the only theater and opera house in the whole of Germany that is named after its architect, but there is no doubt the master earned that right. This magnificent building was built in the mid 19 century and was rebuilt in 1871 after a great fire according to Semper´s son construction plans.

Unfortunately the Semper Opera House's misfortune did not end with one fire and it was destroyed to the ground in 1945 before it was restored and reopened in 1985.

Semper Opera House's stunning interior, magnificent walls, unique ceiling paintings and exceptional acoustics attracts visitors from all over the world. You should definitely try and see it at nighttimes, as it leaves a long-lasting impression.