Dresden is about 30 kilometers north of the border with the Czech Republic, well-known for its baroque style of architecture.
Dresden is about 30 kilometers north of the border with the Czech Republic, and it is considered to be one of the most known cities for its baroque style. The city was known as the Jewel Box, because of its baroque and rococo city center. Dresden is the largest city on the River Elbe after Hamburg. Since German reunification in 1990 Dresden has again become a cultural, educational and political center of Germany and Europe.
1. Dresden Royal Palace
One of Europe’s richest and probably its oldest public museum, the Dresden State Art Collection, inside the Dresden Royal Palace, is also one of its most modern and forward-looking in terms of displaying and interpreting its treasures for visitors. Priceless art, opulent court clothing, intricate needlework, even Augustus the Strong’s personal garden tools are shown and their significance explained.
2. Albertinum
The Renaissance-era former arsenal is the stunning home of the Galerie Neue Meister, which displays an array of paintings by some of the great names in art from the 18th century onwards. Caspar David Friedrich and Claude Monet’s landscapes compete with the abstract visions of Marc Chagall and Gerhard Richter, all in gorgeous rooms orbiting a light-filled courtyard. There’s also a superb sculpture collection spread over the lower floors.
3. Zwinger
The Zwinger is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Germany. It’s worth walking around the outside just to appreciate its architecture. On its south side is the majestic 32-bayed Long Gallery, and flanking it to the east and west are four symmetrically arranged pavilions, the Wallpavillon and the Nymphenbad, with its graceful fountains and mythological figures.
4. Brühl’s Terrace
Brühlsche Terrasse, also known as the “Balcony of Europe.” Approached from the Schlossplatz by a broad flight of steps, this area on the site of the old city ramparts was laid out in 1738 as a private garden and opened to the public in 1814. The sculptured groups on the staircase represent morning, noon, evening, and night, and the Dolphin Fountain is the only part left of the original garden.
5. Dresden Transport Museum
In the Johanneum, one of the oldest buildings in Dresden’s Neumarkt is the Transport Museum or Verkehrsmuseum. Historic vehicles, including aircraft, steam engines, cars, motorbikes, and watercraft are displayed in engaging exhibits.