Dresden
Dresden – the venue
During the past few
years, Dresden has developed into one of the most important destinations for city breaks in Germany. The
architectural ensemble and its delightful setting on the River Elbe create a romantic atmosphere. In addition,
Dresden is well situated between Berlin and Prague and offers a variety of attractions in its beautiful
surroundings like the table mountains of Saxon Switzerland, the wine growing area between Dresden and Meissen or
many castles like Königstein fortress or Colditz, which has been famous in UK and the US because of its history
in World War II.
This is supplemented
by a range of cultural institutions and events that is unique in its density and high quality. There will be
plenty on offer for an exciting stay in Dresden over the year, too. Even if you think you already know Dresden
well, there will be an abundance of new things for you to discover.
In 2010 the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen (State Art
Collections) has been celebrating their 450th anniversary, making them one of the oldest museum institutions of
modern times. In March 2010 the celebrations was launched with the opening of the “Türckische Cammer” (Turkish
Chamber). This exhibition, one of the largest collections of Ottoman art in the world, will be presented in the
rebuilt Royal Palace, the Residenzschloss, which is developing more and more into a museum centre of
international significance.
The way to the love of Dresden is
through the stomach
Wherever you eat
in Dresden – whether it be a simple or luxurious picnic on the Elbe meadows, an elegant dinner on the roof
terrace overlooking the Frauenkirche, a gourmet meal in a lavish Baroque ambience or in a purist Asian
setting – the surroundings always play a part in your enjoyment. Culinary delights are provided by
award-winning celebrity chefs in restaurants such as “Caroussel”, “Beans and Beluga”, “Maurice”, “Schmidt's”,
“Pattis” and “Villandry”, all of which are shining examples of Dresden's restaurant culture. The quality of
the meals also depends on the ingredients, including high-quality wines from wine-growing estates which
produce Prinz zur Lippe, Schloss Wackerbarth and Zimmerling wines, some of which are grown within the
territory of the city of Dresden itself, as well as noble liqueurs and brandies, and – directly adjacent to
the famous dairy Pfunds Molkerei – roasted coffee beans and exquisitely crafted chocolate. And when taking a
relaxing bath after dinner, you can pamper yourself by luxuriating in the aromatic herbs and oils of the
“Dresdner Essenzen”.
Beautiful things from Dresden to take
home
Dresden stands not
only for beauty but also for quality. The two large retail outlets in Dresden for Meissen porcelain, which
was invented in Dresden in 1707, sell a product that Elector Augustus the Strong was passionate about. In
Glashütte, a town located about 20 km from Dresden, valuable watches are manufactured. Lange & Söhne has
its only boutique in the QF Quarter in Dresden, but a rich selection of Glashütte Original, Mühle and Wempe
watches can also be purchased in Dresden.
More than 50 galleries in Dresden offer works of art with which to decorate your home.
The Art Academy, Baer, Büro für Kunst and Gebr. Lehmann galleries have provided a springboard for young
artists such as Boettger, Draper, Havekost and Hohner, most of whom are graduates from the Dresden Hochschule
für Bildende Künste (Dresden Academy of Fine Arts), to launch international careers. Other galleries such as
Döbele specialise in the heritage of the modern era, such as works by the Expressionist group of artists “Die
Brücke”, founded in Dresden in 1905.
Meissen - Famous for its Porcelain Museum
Dresden is international
Every year
visitors from all over the world discover Dresden's mixture of international flair and German tradition in
its museums and world-ranking musical events, as well as in the countless international gourmet restaurants
and the "alternative" shops in Dresden Neustadt or the trendy modern pubs in Weisse Gasse. Major
international hotel chains are also represented in Dresden: Kempinski (Leading Hotels), Worldhotels (Hotel am
Terrassenufer) Westin, Hilton, Accor, Steigenberger, Maritim and artotel to name just a few. The range of
accommodation is supplemented by numerous privately run or individual hotels, including the Bülow Residenz
and Palais (Relais Châteaux), QF-Hotel, Schloss Eckberg and Suitess.
Renowned
multinational companies, particularly in the field of microelectronics, have also settled in Dresden. The
employees of “Silicon Saxony” enliven and enrich the population structure, as do also the many international
students.
Dresden has been a mirror of and a gateway to the world
for many centuries, since long before the word “globalisation” was coined. You can encounter ties with Italy in
the Stable Courtyard of the Royal Palace, in the Cathedral and the Frauenkirche, and on Theaterplatz. French
influences are evident in the Zwinger courtyard, the Grosser Garten park and the park at Schloss Pillnitz.
Schloss Pillnitz itself is an example of Oriental inspiration, along with the huge collection of Chinese and
Japanese porcelain on display in the Zwinger. The enormous dome of the Yenidze (formerly a cigar manufactory),
the Turkish Bath at Schloss Albrechtsberg and the “Türckische Cammer” in the Royal Palace are all redolent of
the Middle East.
The picture shows a part of the 360 Degree view of Old Dresden (from the 18th Century) which can be
experienced at the Panometer - an old gas holder converted to an art gallery, in Dresden. The views are in
perfect perspective and give the feel of "being there" espcially as the day and night changes and sounds
accompany the experience.
Semper Opera House in Spring
View of the famous Zwinger building in Downtown Dresden.
Photos and
texts appear courtesy by Dresden Marketing GmbH, Sylvio Dittrich, Frank Exß, Roland Gladasch, Wolfgang Kafka,
Christoph Münch, Anja Upmeier, Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt GmbH & Co. Conti Elbschiffahrts KG, Schloß Wackerbarth, Staatliche Schlösser, Burgen und Gärten,
Verkehrsverband Oberelbe, Weinbauverband Sachsen e.V.
Useful
websites (all with choice of content in English) and information
Dresden General information: www.Dresden.de
State Art Collections (Old Masters Picture Gallery, Green Vault, Turkish Chamber, New
Masters Gallery and many more): www.skd.museum
Frauenkirche/ Church of Our Lady: www.frauenkirche-dresden.de
Semper Opera: www.semperoper.de
Dresden 1756 picture in the Panometer: www.asisi.de
Transportation in and around Dresden – notice special tourist offers (Dresden City Card):
www.vvo-online.de/en/tourismus/index.aspx
Lössnitzgrundbahn (Narrow gauge steam railway): www.loessnitzgrundbahn.de
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