July 2025
Dresden is the capital city of the German state of Saxony, located in eastern Germany along the Elbe River, near the Czech border. It is one of Germany’s most historic and culturally rich cities, often referred to as the “Florence on the Elbe” because of its stunning architecture, art collections, and scenic riverside location.
Historical Overview
- Founded: The area has been settled since prehistoric times, but Dresden rose to prominence in the late Middle Ages.
- Royal Capital: It became the royal residence of the Electors and Kings of Saxony in the 15th century, reaching its cultural peak in the 18th century under Augustus the Strong.
- WWII Destruction: Dresden was nearly completely destroyed by Allied bombing in February 1945, causing massive loss of life and destroying much of its Baroque architecture.
- Reconstruction: Since German reunification, Dresden has undergone extensive restoration and modernization, with landmarks like the Frauenkirche rebuilt as symbols of peace and reconciliation.
Key Attractions
- Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady): A spectacular Baroque church rebuilt after being destroyed in WWII.
- Zwinger Palace: A masterpiece of Baroque architecture housing museums like the Old Masters Picture Gallery.
- Semperoper: The stunning opera house and home to the Saxon State Orchestra.
- Green Vault: One of the richest treasure chambers in Europe, showcasing royal treasures.
- Furstenzug: This long, dramatic mural made of porcelain tiles depicts Saxon rulers throughout the ages.
- Bruhl’s Terrace: Renaissance terrace nicknamed the “balcony of Europe”, running along the river with sweeping views.
- Cathedral St. Trinitatis: Landmark 18th-century structure by Gaetano Chiaveri, restored after damage in World War II.
I had only spent 2 nights at Dresden, yet it left many fond memories and strong impression on my mind.
After arriving Dresden train station, I had to pull my suitcase quite a long way to my hotel. However, my hotel(Hotel NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt) was quite a luxury one, right in front of Holy Cross Church(Kreuzkirche Dresden). On the way from train station to my hotel, I passed through the new town, full of shops and restaurants, looked lively. Also, there were big shopping mall (Centrum Galerie Dresden) nearby, but I did not have chance to spend time there.
Next morning, I jogged to the riverside nearby. On the way, I passed so many beautiful historical buildings and open area. When the sun rises and reflected on the buildings and river, it looked amazing.
At night, I had dinner at nearby restaurant, and took a walk at the city center. There were many people taking walk in that beautiful area. When the moonlight shined on the building peacefully, it felt like totally different world from daytime.
Second morning, I took a longer run to the Grand Garden of Dresden, and visited The Grand Garden Palace at center of the garden. The Grand Garden of Dresden was actually a huge quiet park, and long straight road inside, where many cyclists passing through in the morning. I was the only jogger. The Grand Garden Palace was not big, and it was locked up. I could only enjoyed it from the outside, but it was full of beautiful sculptures all around it, all the sculptures look different. I walked all around it.
Last day I spent half a day visiting many scenic places at center of Dresden. Dresden Zwinger was most impressive of all. Although it was still in reconstruction, and we only walked in its garden, it was still the most beautiful place to visit in Dresden.
At last, we walked inside Holy Cross Church (Kreuzkirche Dresden). There was exhibition of many photos from the past. I was shocked by how Dresden looked before the war and during the war. Also, Holy Cross Church looked totally different and way more luxury before the war, during the war it was totally destroyed. Although it is now rebuilt, it is much more simple, looked like a gorgeous woman being disfigured. It is horrible what war could destroy, and something can never be recovered.
