TOP Sights of Dresden - what to see, interesting places, photos
Dresden, the administrative center of Saxony, located on the banks of the Elbe River, near the border with the Czech Republic, has been the cultural, industrial and economic center of East Germany for centuries. Dresden's local galleries showcase great works of art, and its Baroque architecture, picturesque surroundings and many historical attractions attract tourists from all over the world. The city is famous as the birthplace of the coffee filter, toothpaste and holds the record for being home to the largest porcelain panel in the world. The city is sometimes called the "Jewelry Box" due to its wealth of architectural monuments and has uniquely lost its UNESCO status. Controversial and magnificent, Dresden is ready to surprise travelers of all ages.
What is the first thing to see in Dresden?
If you don't know which places you must visit in Dresden, carefully study our review. We'll provide you with expert advice and the best attractions in Dresden to make your trip rich and memorable.
Experienced guides in Dresden strongly advise paying attention to the following cultural, historical and architectural sites:
Zwinger
First place in our rating of “Wonderful Places of Dresden” deservedly belongs to a magnificent example of Baroque - the Zwinger, a palace and park complex of the 18th-19th centuries. In the past, knightly tournaments were held on its territory, and the rulers of Saxony organized luxurious festivities. Today the Zwinger is a museum-palace where unique exhibits such as weapons, paintings, exquisite porcelain and much more are stored in various halls.
Albertinum Art Museum
The Albertinum Art Museum was named after King Albert. This “treasury” of the museum complex displays many unique sculptures created over the past five thousand years. The oldest collection of Italian antiques attracts special attention. In addition to sculptural works, the halls display Egyptian mummies, bronze exhibits, terracotta and much more.
Brühl's Terrace
Brühl's Terrace, part of Dresden's military fortification system, offers free excursions in this amazing city. This “Balcony of Europe” stretches for one and a half thousand meters between the Carola and Augustus bridges. By visiting this place, you will immerse yourself in the charm of the city landscape and the Elbe River. In addition, along this part of the embankment there are many restaurants and museums where you can have a good time.
Dresden Art Gallery
The Dresden Art Gallery is located in one of the Zwinger palaces. If your passion is art from different eras and you are looking for a place to visit in Dresden, then you should pay attention to this wonderful object. The collections of this famous gallery represent works by such masters as Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Poussin. The gallery “Sistine Madonna”, created by the great Raphael, attaches exceptional importance.
Dresden Castle Residence
Dresden Castle is the official residence of the Saxon rulers. Inside the residence there is an Armory, an engraving room and a numismatics room, as well as the famous “Green Vault” - a collection of precious items. The architectural facade of the castle delights art lovers, especially lovers of eclecticism and Romanesque style. This building is considered one of the most majestic and beautiful in Dresden: the slender tower of its watchtower is visible from different parts of the city.
Kreuzkirche - Church of the Holy Cross
The Kreuzkirche, also known as the Church of the Holy Cross, impresses with its grandeur on Dresden's Old Market Square at night. This wonderful center of sacred music confidently occupies one of the leading places in the ranking of “Best Attractions in Germany”. The choir of young men and boys often performs here, as well as organ music concerts. The temple received its name due to its unique shrine, which was once kept here - part of the cross on which Christ was crucified.
Frauenkirche - Church of the Virgin Mary
The Frauenkirche, also known as the Church of Our Lady, is a majestic building with seven entrances and a panoramic platform under its dome. One of the important features of this Evangelical Lutheran church is the grandiose stone bell with two shells. The interior of the temple is decorated with ancient sculptures created in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as a majestic altar and a huge organ.
Dreikönigskirche - Church of the Three Magi
The Dreikönigskirche, also known as the Church of the Three Wise Men, is a remarkable medieval building in the neo-Gothic style. This place becomes an ideal choice for those who are looking for where to go in Dresden to enjoy the splendor of the city's main architectural masterpieces. The church is famous for its organ, 7-meter-high altar, altar painting (Mengas's craftsmanship), exquisite Rococo-style pulpit and an ancient relief of the Dance of Death, extending over 12 meters. During the many years of its existence, the church experienced several destructions and fires, but today it has been magnificently restored, representing an outstanding monument of history and architecture.
Hofkirche - Catholic court church
Hofkirche is a Catholic church that also served as a court church. Inside the dungeon of the Hofkirche church is the family tomb of the Wettin dynasty. This temple, built in the Baroque style, amazes with its refined and light appearance, despite its impressive size: the height of the two-story tower with an onion top and cross exceeds 80 meters, and the width exceeds 50 meters. The oval base gives the building a changing appearance, depending on the point of view.
German Hygiene Museum
The German Hygiene Museum was founded by K.A. Lingner, an entrepreneur in this field. The permanent exhibition "Adventure Man" is one of the integral parts of this museum that is worth a visit. Here are human figures made of glass and wax. By pressing buttons, various parts and organs of the human body can be illuminated. Exhibitions dedicated to the topics of death, disease, aging, nutrition and other processes will be of interest to both children and adults. The museum is divided into “adult” and “children’s” areas, which makes it a suitable place to visit with small children. There is also a souvenir shop and a small restaurant on site.
Semperoper - the musical splendor of Dresden
The Theater Square, in front of which rises the Dresden Saxon State Opera, is a real magnet for music lovers. In this magnificent three-story building you will be greeted not only by luxurious interiors, but also by outstanding opera artists, who are considered the national pride of the country. Even if for some reason you are not planning to attend opera performances, it is worth considering the option of a tour. This will provide a unique opportunity to go up to the observation deck, admire the exquisite stucco work, admire the paintings, examine the details of the stage and its structure, and also appreciate the splendor of the interior halls and rooms.
Many people do not know that behind the main theater lies the splendor of another building - the Semper Opera 2, which was erected later. There are also performances here, but they are more modest. The hall, designed for two hundred spectators, has gained popularity due to its cozy intimate atmosphere.
Military History Museum of the Bundeswehr
The Bundeswehr Military History Museum first opened its doors in 1877. With ten thousand exhibits, including the first submarine, military aircraft, cannons, mine-hunting robots, as well as wartime artifacts and modern military equipment, the museum presents an impressive collection. The structure of the museum is also a delight, because it is pierced through and through by a huge wedge of shiny metal. However, this is only an optical illusion: walking around the rear of the building, it becomes clear that the wedge is a separate structure rising in the middle of the empty Bundeswehr site. Tours of the museum are completely free and run at specific hours, making the visit even more attractive.
Panoramic work "Procession of the Princes"
The large-scale mosaic composition, stretching over one hundred meters, is magnificently presented on the external wall of the palace and gallery complex on Augustusstrasse. It is based on images of princes from the Saxon dynasty. In 1879, W. Walter created this work using the sgraffito technique, replacing the previous panel made by an unknown artist more than four hundred years ago. "Procession of Princes" covers 94 characters, including children, artisans, scientists, Saxon rulers and high nobility. Along with the characters, swift dogs and elegant horses are depicted.
Castles on the Elbe in Dresden
The castles on the Elbe in Dresden represent a unique architectural ensemble, among which Albrechtsberg Castle stands out. This castle, one of three planned for the Prussian prince Albrecht Gürgi in the 19th century, is striking in its beauty. All three small but magnificent castles are open to tourists. Around the castle complex there are vineyards and picturesque parks suitable for peaceful walks. Despite their strategic location on a hill, Ekberg, Lingner and Albrechtsberg were never used for defensive purposes.
Jenice Building
The Jenice building, with its architectural appearance, is intended to be associated with a mosque. Previously, it was a tobacco factory, and currently houses the offices of various companies. Under the arches of this building there is a café with panoramic views, and parties are held in its basement. The oriental architectural style of the 1909 building is unique to Dresden and carries visual elements of oriental mosques.
Pillnitz Castle
The palace and park complex of Pillnitz, the summer residence of the rulers of Saxony, is one of the few outstanding attractions of Dresden. This water castle enjoys the same wide popularity as other magnificent places in the city. It is wonderful that inside it there are museums whose exhibits belong to the era of the 17th and 18th centuries: here you will find a variety of objects such as fabrics, paintings, household items, and even musical instruments. Gardening enthusiasts will be attracted by local greenhouses in English and Chinese styles, as well as an extensive garden and park complex. One of its special attractions is the unique Japanese camellia, which has been growing here for more than two hundred years, delighting visitors with its exquisite splendor.
