On foot - Dresden in adverse weather conditions
- Written by Portal Editor
The historic old town of Dresden, if one can still speak of “old town” in the traditional sense after the bombing nights of February 13th and 14th, 1945, is located on the left side of the Elbe and extends from the Elbe on the Terrassenufer in the north to the town hall in the South.
Despite the adverse weather conditions with showers and sunshine, we decided to go on a tour. The “Altstadt” district is delimited by the location of the old Dresden fortifications that were demolished at the beginning of the 19th century.
After the city fortress was demolished, Postplatz was created on the site of the former Wilschen Tor on the western border of the inner old town, and Pirnaische Platz was created on the site of the Pirnaischer Tor on the eastern border. The Augustus Bridge and the Carola Bridge provide the connection to the Inner Neustadt on the other side of the Elbe.
Today, Renaissance, Baroque and 19th century buildings dominate the face of the most famous city on the Elbe. Seen from the other side of the river, Dresden appears at first glance to be a cultural city of European standing.
The culmination of the reconstruction in the city centre found its most famous symbol in the reconstruction of the Dresden Frauenkirche, the magnificent baroque domed building that now once again shapes the Dresden city skyline.
If you only have one day available, you will find numerous sights, great cafés and restaurants, exciting museums, cozy parks and breathtaking views in the old town.
A network of small streets leads through the old town between Neumarkt and Altmarkt. The highlights definitely include a visit to the Frauenkirche, a walk through the Dresden Zwinger, a trip to the Green Vault and a tour of the magical Semper Opera.
Many important cultural institutions can be found along the Old Town banks of the Elbe: from the Old Masters Picture Gallery to the treasury of the Saxon electors and kings, the Green Vault.
The old town is also the centre of city life: the fate of Saxony is determined in the Saxon State Parliament, and that of the city in the town hall. Shopping centres and restaurants, culture and work can be found around Altmarkt and Prager Straße.
If visitors are interested in the history of the city and would like to know more about the numerous buildings, we recommend taking part in a city tour. Here, guests stroll in small groups through the ancient streets of Dresden. A city guide reports on the life of the Wettins and the eventful history of the city.
In the evening, a tour with the night watchman is a nice alternative to the daily tours. The glittering lights of the city give Dresden a very special ambience.
The Dresden Zwinger can also be an ideal starting point. The baroque building ensemble is one of the most pompous buildings in the city. Built under the reign of August the Strong, the former place of representation is adorned with richly decorated pavilions, gates and galleries.
The extensive gardens in the inner courtyard with various fountains are enchanting. The nymph bath is beautiful. The opulent baroque fountain system is hidden in the rear area of the French Pavilion, which visitors can access via the arcades.
Please also read:
Frauenkirche Dresden – in the catacombs of the lower church
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