Whether you're looking for a day of history or adventure, Dresden, Germany, has plenty to offer. From the Zwinger Palace to the Semperoper Opera House, you can find what you're looking for. If you're traveling with children, there are also plenty of family-friendly activities.
Zwinger palace
Among the numerous things to do in Dresden, one of the most impressive is taking a tour of the city's Zwinger palace. The palace is a historical site that houses a number of museums. The palace is also an excellent example of baroque architecture.
The palace is built around a large courtyard. The courtyard contains fountains and topiary. It was originally designed as an orangery for the royal court. There are several sections to visit, including the Sistine Madonna by Raphael and the Old Masters Gallery.
The palace also houses the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments. You can walk around the palace and see the replica of Augustus the Strong's Polish royal crown. It's worth a visit, if only to admire the view of the Elbe River.
Another interesting site is the Semperoper, an opera house that is both beautiful and functional. It has a lovely interior and intricate facade design. You can catch a show here for less than 10 euros. The Semperoper also offers guided tours in English and other languages.
For a taste of the local fare, you should check out the Alte Meister Cafe & Restaurant. This restaurant features seasonal ingredients and uses regional products. The menu includes upscale modern German fare.
Weesenstein castle
Located in the Muglitztal valley, Weesenstein castle is a majestic structure south of Dresden. This complex is a unique architectural ensemble, combining Gothic and Renaissance styles. It has an impressive 800 years of history. You will find the interior of the castle to be quite soothing with warm colors.
Weesenstein is open daily from November to March. It is a popular destination for culture and culinary travelers. You will find Medieval music, crafts and artisans as well as Castle Brewery. You will also be able to experience the annual Medieval Festival.
Weesenstein was originally built as a military fortification. In the mid-19th century, it became a popular tourist attraction. It is today managed by the State Palaces, Castles, and Gardens of Saxony. This organization merchandises nineteen Saxon cultural landmarks.
The exterior of the castle is painted in a yellow hue, and features human-made ponds and a baroque architecture. The palace is about 20km from the city center of Dresden. You can reach it by car or bus. The Bruhl's Terrace, nicknamed the Balcony of Europe, offers sweeping views of the Elbe River.
Schloss Weesenstein is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. You can take a guided tour or you can explore the castle on your own. The interior of the castle is also interesting. The rooms have a lot of rare features, including 300-year-old gold-leather wallpaper and panorama wallpaper from 1816.
Moritzburg palace
Located in the German state of Saxony, the Moritzburg Palace is a magnificent baroque masterpiece. It is also one of the most beautiful sites in the city of Dresden. It was built between 1542 and 1546. The palace is surrounded by lovely woodlands, human-made ponds, and a lake.
The palace was originally a hunting lodge for kings of Saxony. It was later converted into a famous museum. The interior is decorated with opulence and exquisite gardens. It features the largest collection of Baroque leather tapestries. The tapestries are hand-painted and date back to the 17th century.
The palace is surrounded by lovely woodlands, and it is a good place to spend a couple of hours. A visit includes strolling around the grounds, and seeing the Peacock House. You can also get a closer look at the castle's architecture.
Another great place to see is the Dresden Zwinger. It is an art and architecture complex that combines sculpture, sculpture, and architecture. The Zwinger houses several museums and exhibitions. It is considered the most significant building of the late Baroque period. You can find a variety of artifacts here, including the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments. It is also home to the Old Masters Picture Gallery.
Dresden Frauenkirche church
Located on Neumarkt Square in Dresden, the Frauenkirche is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Germany. It is also called Our Lady's Church, and is a Lutheran parish church. The original building was built in the 11th century Romanesque style. It was a Catholic church until the Reformation, when it became a Protestant one.
The church was destroyed in 1945 during Allied bombings of the city, but it was rebuilt after reunification of Germany. The rebuilding cost about EUR180 million, but most of the money came from private citizens and the Dresdner Bank, which is backed by the State of Saxony.
The building was constructed in Romanesque style, and features a dome that is reminiscent of the dome of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. It is considered a symbol of reconciliation between warring enemies.
The Frauenkirche's restoration began in 1994 and finished in 2005. It took more than a decade to complete, but it is now a beautiful and inspiring landmark in Dresden. The reconstruction was completed in cooperation with the Friends of Dresden, Inc., a nonprofit organization that works to preserve the artistic and architectural legacy of Dresden.
The reconstruction of the church also includes the construction of a synagogue, which was built by the Friends of Dresden. The Dresdner Bank donated almost seven million Euros for the project, and the state of Saxony contributed almost eight million.
Semperoper (Opera House)
Whether you're visiting Dresden to see one of its world-famous opera performances or to experience the city's culture, you can't miss the Semperoper (Opera House). This landmark is a must-see for anyone who's planning a trip to Germany.
The Semperoper is a historic opera house located in the heart of Old Town, near the Elbe River. It's a beautiful, architectural masterpiece. It was constructed in 1841, and the first performance took place in April of that year.
The Semperoper is famous for its star-studded performances, especially those by the Saxon State Opera. It is also the home of the Sachsische Staatskapelle Dresden, Europe's oldest symphony orchestra. The Semperoper's programme includes classical operas, musicals, operettas and ballets.
The Semperoper is one of the most prestigious and beautiful opera houses in the world. It's been reconstructed after the Second World War, and it reopened on 13 February 1985.
Throughout history, the Semperoper has hosted many premieres, including works by Richard Strauss and Carl Maria von Weber. The building's design is a mixture of Baroque and Neo-Renaissance styles. Its second stage is a cube, and the proscenium arch is decorated with a frieze depicting the characters in various shows.
There are many wonderful architectural structures in Dresden, and a Semperoper tour is a great way to explore them. If you want to experience the opera, you should buy tickets online beforehand.
Bruehl Terrace
Bruhl's Terrace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dresden. It offers great views of the Elbe River and Neustadt. The terrace is situated on the city's fortifications, which were rebuilt in 1547. The terrace is flanked by four bronze sculptures.
Bruhl's Terrace is also called the "Balcony of Europe". This is because the view of the Elbe, the Old Town, and Neustadt are stunning. The terrace has been used in literature and films.
The Saxon State Chamber building is located on the Bruhl's Terrace. It is a great place to start your tour of the city. You will be able to see one of the most magnificent collections of art and architecture in Europe. It is located next to the Academy of Fine Arts and the Saxony Supreme Court.
The Zwinger Palace is another must-see in Dresden. This Baroque-style palace has a garden and art exhibitions. The courtyard is free to enter and museum tickets can be purchased in advance. The museum itself has musical instruments, scientific equipment, and textiles. It is open daily from 10:00 to 6:00 pm.
You can also take a paddle steamer trip on the river. This is a great way to experience the city in the summer and winter months. You can purchase tickets at the kiosk below Bruhl's Terrace. There are trips every day in the summer and every night during the winter.
Schloesserland Card
Whether you're visiting Dresden for the first time or planning a day trip from Dresden, the Schloesserland Card to spend one day in Dresden offers great savings. The card gives you access to most of the city's attractions at a discount.
For example, you'll receive free admission to the Zwinger, the Baroque-style palace. You can also take a paddle steamer tour up and down the River Elbe. These are available year-round, and you can buy tickets at the ticket office below Bruhl's Terrace. The tours take you through the historic inner town and the outer suburbs.
Another option is to book a private tour of the Dresden Christmas markets. You'll learn about the history of the festival and experience the music and street market. Some evening tours will include a traditional meal.
You can also purchase a Dresden City Card. This includes discounts on most tourist attractions, and free transportation on local buses. You'll also have access to the Staatsoperette Dresden and 15 other cultural institutions.
You can also use a Schloesserland voucher to buy a ticket for the Zwinger Xperience. These vouchers can be purchased online or at a Festung Xperience ticket office. However, they are not redeemable for cash, and you can only use them at participating establishments.
