Town and surroundings:

Dresden – Florence of the North

History, art and nature float over the city and valley, from the cathedral in Meißen to the baroque palace grounds at Großsedlitz, like a chord enchanted by its own harmony.
[Erich Kästner]

East and west, north and south, landscape and architecture, spirituality and secularity. In Dresden the opposites represent harmony, which can easily be perceived when promenading through the city and its surroundings. Innovative ideas and creativity have always played an important role in the state capital of Saxony, which today makes Dresden a leading research location in Europe with the Technical University of Dresden, research institutes of renown reputation and high-tech industry.

Dresden was first mentioned in 1206 and developed into a prospering residential city under the rule of the noble family Wettin. Today the city’s famous silhouette is characterized by splendid buildings from the renaissance period, the baroque époque and the 19th century. Dresden became one of Europe’s most glamorous royal capitals under the reign of Friedrich August I, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland and his son Friedrich August II. The legends and anecdotes of Friedrich August I are endless. His ability to break horseshoes, being the father of 365 children, his elaborate lifestyle and countless mistresses make him better known as August the Strong.

The Zwinger, the Church of Our Lady, the Catholic Court Church, the Taschenberg Palace, the Pillnitz Palace, the world famous Art Collections with Raphael’s Sistine Madonna, the wealth of the Royal Treasure Chamber and the Porcelain Collections are all examples of baroque virtuosity.

Faithfully preserve the old and welcome the new [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe]

In spite of vast destruction during the Second World War, Dresden has preserved or regained fascinating historical ensembles next to striking examples of contemporary architecture. The reconstruction of the Church of Our Lady symbolizes an important step towards reconciliation and its magnificent baroque dome dominates the grandiose silhouette of Dresden once again.

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