Things to Do in Dresden

The Frauenkirche in Dresden was built between 1726 and 1743. Its dome collapsed on Feb. 15, 1945, during the bombings of World War II. After the war, the ruins of the church were left as a war memorial. Once Dresden and the rest of East Germany were reunified with West Germany, reconstruction on the church began and was completed by 2005. As much as possible, the reconstruction of the church followed the original plans and methods and used the original materials. The church now serves as a symbol of reconciliation.

The reconstruction of the church was supported by donations from people all around the world. In order to honor those who donated, the church set up an exhibition area, which explains what was left after the destruction and what was was needed to start the rebuilding process. The exhibit includes original documents and finds from the archaeological site. Photographs and sketches outline the process from when the reconstruction idea was made public until the consecration of the church in 2005. There is also a computer to search for names of supporters.

A variety of guided tours of the church are available, and visitors can also climb the tower for views of the city.

The Dresden Royal Palace is a Renaissance castle that was home to Saxony's kings and electors starting in the late 1400s. It was built with defense in mind and has limited gates and massive walls. The palace burned towards the end of World War II, and reconstruction began in the 1980s. Today it houses the Dresden State Art Collections. The museums here include the Coin Cabinet and the Collection of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs, the first two collections to return to the museum after reconstruction began. Other museums include the New Green Vault, the Historic Green Vault, the Turkish Chamber, the Armory, the art library, and several other collections and galleries.

Visitors can explore the artwork, antiques, and other unique items found in the different sections of the palace to get an idea of what royal live was like during the renaissance period and other times throughout history. There are two courtyards attached to the palace, which have been enclosed in recent years for more practical use as part of a museum.

This all-glass automobile production plant, owned by Volkswagen, is a must-see for car enthusiasts who are visiting Dresden. Because the entire building is made of glass, you can view nearly the entire process of automobile assembly during a tour of the factory. The Transparent Factory was built in the middle of town on the Elbe River, just a ten-minute walk from the historic city center, as an intentional pairing of technology and culture. More than a million visitors have passed through the factory doors since they opened in 2002, watching VW Phaetons and Bentleys getting assembled at ‘Die Gläserne Manufaktur.’

For people who like cars, architecture, and/or engineering, this is a great way to see top-notch automobile manufacturing in action. The ultra-modern facility builds cars with the most up-to-date methods, including robots that deliver the parts. Before taking the educational tour, visitors can check out multiple video displays in the building’s upper lobby.