Imagine one of those totally unplanned trips when you get train tickets in advance and do not do any research at all. This was our Dresden day trip. Wetook two-hour train to Dresden from Prague and spend the entire two hours planning our One day in Dresden. By the time the train arrived at Dresden train station, we had plan ready with “must -see” and “good-to-see” places and headed straight to the Altmarkt.
One Day in Dresden
Altmarkt
Altmart is the oldest square in Dresden that was entire destroyed during 1945 bombing. The only building on this square that was reconstructed is Kreuzkirche(Holy Cross Church). During Christmas season almost half of the square transformed into the Dresdner Winterzauber (Dresden Winter Magic) – large ice-skating ring
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Traveling in Europe by Train Guide
Kreuzkirche
The Church is open daily. The original basilica was built in 12th century. As many other churches in western Europe, the church was ruined and rebuilt multiple times. Kreuzkirche tower open year-round, opening and closing times vary by season and day of the week. The tower if one of the six towers surrounding the square
One Day in Dresden
Rathaus(Town Hall)
The Rathaus is a five-story typical sandstone building with a courtyard. Town Hall Tower can be accessed only from the courtyard, it has an elevator. You need to purchase a ticket to visit the top of the tower. The Rathaus building is open for public to visit, but you can also book guided tour. The building has a beautiful staircase, ceiling covered with frescos and the waiting area decorated by dark green stone.
Neumarkt
Neumarkt is another large square that was gradually reconstructed after it was destroyed during Allied bombing in 1945.
Frauenkirche
Church was completely ruined during 1945 firebombing and remained in ruins for almost 50 years as a war memorial. The Church rebuild started in 1994 after reunification of Germany. Almost 4000 original stones were reused during the Frauenkirche church rebuild. Reconstruction completed in 2005. I was very surprised by a very light frescas inside the church, not typical church paintings.
Lunch at Coselpalais restaurant.
Since majority of the places were closed, I decided to take long lunch at Coselpalais which was the experience on its own. The drinks were to die for, the food was fantastic, desserts were next level to outstanding and the service was just fabulous.
The restaurant has a very good selection of local German food and variety of desserts. If you happened to be in this place, make sure to try hot plum punch,hot alcoholic drink that has a mix of rum and traditional fruit compote. I also had Schnitzel and Original Dresdner Eierscecke
Albetinum
Based on my initial research Albertinum was one of the museums from my “must-see” list because of impressionist collection. It also has a collection of statues and other artwork dated XIX-XX centuries. Unfortunately, museum is closed Mondays, so I was left to just enjoy the building from outside.
Dresden Royal Palace(Dresden Castle)
This was another “royal” disappointment for me. The palace was closed for cleaning for just one week during my Dresden visit. If you have a chance to visit the museum, I suggest Porcelain Cabinet, New Green Vault and Turkish Chamber. Museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Just like with Albetinum, I walked around the palace, admired the building, and headed to Furstenzag
Furstenzag
Furstenzag(Procession of Princes) is a huge porcelain mosaic located on one of the Dresden Royal Palace walls, it has a complete history of Saxon ruler. The art work was initially created as a huge mural, but later replaced with porcelain mosaic. It is the largest porcelain mosaic the world. Furstenzag “survived” World War II bombing with almost no damage.
Zwinger Palace
Zwinger Palace is a complex of interconnected museums that includes garden with beautiful Baroque fountain called Nymphenbad. Palace entrance(Krontenor) gateway topped with a huge crown. Zwinger complex includes Porcelain museum, Sempergalerie and Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon (historic clocks and other scientific instruments museum)
Kulturpalast Mural
Kulturpalast(Palace of Culture) is not a particularly interesting building from architectural standpoint except for the huge mural on one of the walls. The mural called Der Weg der roten Fahne (The way of the red flag); it features red star, workers, teachers, and many other socialism symbols including hammer and sickle, of course. I did not know about this mural and just saw it when I walking to Opera House. I stopped and stared at the mural for a while, thinking about all soviet influence on GDR.
Opera House.
Opera house has a very interesting and unique history. It was rebuilt twice: after the fire that burned it almost completely in XIX century and second time after World War II. It took almost 40 years for the second rebuild. Both times it was rebuilt using the original drawings.
You can’t get inside without a tour. Tours offered daily; the only English tour offered every day 3 pm. You will need to buy separate voucher for taking pictures.
Final Thoughts
Dresden if a beautiful must-see European city with reach history. You can spend couple of days to a week exploring the city museums and parks. But even one day is enough to see the city and visit couple of museums. Enjoy your time in Dresden.
