Sightseeing in Dresden
One of the most famous and beautiful landmarks in the city is the Zwinger. Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann constructed this masterpiece of baroque architecture in the years between 1709 and 1732. The many carvings and statues, as well as the garden sculptures were created by Baltasar Permoser. The Crown Gate on the south side of the building is perhaps the most famous view of the Zwinger and impresses its visitors with the vast cupola guarded by four eagles representing the seasons and topped with the polish crown.

Semper Opera House
Just a few steps away from the Zwinger, the newly rebuilt Semper Opera House stands in all its majesty. The first Semper royal theater in Dresden erected from 1838 to 1841 fell to ashes in 1869. Marking the plaza leading to the Opera House is a statue of King Johann mounted on his horse (1899). Rounding out the baroque aerial is the Royal Palace and the impressive royal catholic church (Hofkirche). The bell tower reaching 85 meters boasts the highest in Saxony and was erected from 1739 to 1755 as a late baroque basilica. The chancel was finished by Permoser and other highlights include the Silbermann Organ, the oil paintings on the main and periphery altars by Raphael Mengs and the silver, 4.20 meter high, crucifix.
Passing through the arch connecting the Hofkirche and the Royal Palace, one can stroll along the Brühl Terrace, part of the city’s fortification built in the 16th century. After traveling up the sphinx-flanked steps, one enjoys a breathtaking view of the Elbe River and can continue on to the Academy of Art (1890). Just a few more paces and one reaches the Albertinum housing art collections of world renown and the modern art gallery. The building was erected from 1559 to 1563 as an arsenal but was refitted to house the museum after damage incurred in 1945. On the terrace’s northeastern corner is the oldest monument in Dresden, the Moritz Monument erected in 1553. Depicted is the handing over of the royal sword from Prince Elect Moritz (1521-1553) on his deathbed to his brother Augustus (1526-1586). Traveling northwest, one happens upon the newly rebuilt Neumarkt (new market place) and the world-renowned completed Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). To the right the Auguststraße leads to the famous 102 meter long porcelain mural - the Procession of Princes (Fürstenzug). The mural depicts the Wettin rulers of Saxony on horseback accompanied by footmen.

Procession of Princes
Located on the Neumarkt is the Johanneum, erected from 1586 to 1591 by Paul Buchner as the Royal Mews and houses the modern Transportation Museum. Especially impressive are the arcades of the Royal Mews placed in the courtyard of the building.
The area in front of the Johanneum is characterized by the Friedensbrunnen (Fountain of Peace). Not far from here is the Altmarkt (old market place) and Dresden’s oldest church inside the city walls, the Kreuzkirche (1764-1792).
The TV Tower on the Neustadt side of the Elbe offers a breathtaking view of the Elbe Valley and of the Palace at Pillnitz.





The arcades in the Royal Mews



Additional Museums and Sights:
  • Porcelain collection in the Zwinger
  • Art gallery on the northside of the Zwinge
  • Museum of weapons and armory of the royal court in the Zwinger Semper pavilion
  • Art Gallery New Masters (19th and 20th century) in the Albertinum
  • Gold and Jewels in the historic Green Vaults (Grünen Gewölbe)
  • Technical Museum – Development of electronics and photography
  • German Hygiene Museum – a museum about health and our bodies, complete with a children’s museum on the five senses