DRESDEN, once known as "Florence on the Elbe," is the capital of the German federal state of Saxony. It is an industrial, governmental, and cultural center, worldwide known for the Frauenkirche and its historic centre. Dresden is considered by many visitors as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.
The city was founded in 1206 and recognized as a World Heritage Site. Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with extraordinary cultural and artistic splendor. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the city became one of the centres of the Romantic Movement. Phenomenal poets such as Goethe, Schiller, Herder, Kleist and Novalis met in the salons held by Christian Gottfried Körner- later the house of Ludwig Tieck.
In the World War II the city was bombarded and the face of the city changed dramatically. The historical center of Dresden was completely destroyed, including the priceless art treasures that made the city world famous. Also, more than 30,000 people died in this terrible bombarding; the ruin of the city acted as a call for peace among the different nations of the world. Dresden was reconstructed as a large socialist city during the GDR years. The historical center is nowadays in large parts restored to its former glory, some parts are however still under reconstruction. The city is a vibrant, beautiful tribute to the human spirit.
Dresden’s attractions are beautiful churches and palaces, as well as many world-class museums, among the finest in all of Germany. The Frauenkirche, the largest Protestant domed building in history, dominates the Dresden skyline with its incredible baroque architecture- its renovations were lately completed. The Altstadt and Neustadt, on opposite sides of the river are other beautiful examples of Baroque architecture and offer plenty of lovely restaurants, shops and picturesque streets to wander.
The economic life of Dresden is improving: tourism, an innovative computer industry and consumer goods are important sectors. Dresden is also a popular location for conferences and conventions.
The city was founded in 1206 and recognized as a World Heritage Site. Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with extraordinary cultural and artistic splendor. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the city became one of the centres of the Romantic Movement. Phenomenal poets such as Goethe, Schiller, Herder, Kleist and Novalis met in the salons held by Christian Gottfried Körner- later the house of Ludwig Tieck.
In the World War II the city was bombarded and the face of the city changed dramatically. The historical center of Dresden was completely destroyed, including the priceless art treasures that made the city world famous. Also, more than 30,000 people died in this terrible bombarding; the ruin of the city acted as a call for peace among the different nations of the world. Dresden was reconstructed as a large socialist city during the GDR years. The historical center is nowadays in large parts restored to its former glory, some parts are however still under reconstruction. The city is a vibrant, beautiful tribute to the human spirit.
Dresden’s attractions are beautiful churches and palaces, as well as many world-class museums, among the finest in all of Germany. The Frauenkirche, the largest Protestant domed building in history, dominates the Dresden skyline with its incredible baroque architecture- its renovations were lately completed. The Altstadt and Neustadt, on opposite sides of the river are other beautiful examples of Baroque architecture and offer plenty of lovely restaurants, shops and picturesque streets to wander.
The economic life of Dresden is improving: tourism, an innovative computer industry and consumer goods are important sectors. Dresden is also a popular location for conferences and conventions.