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DRESDEN
a
new beginning
After
enduring the ravages of World War II, isolation behind the iron curtain, the
floods of 2002 and just two
years short of it's 800th anniversary, Saxony's capital is on the
threshold of achievements that will further enhance its already
impressive arts and cultural credentials.
Important
events in 2004
Until
a fateful day in February 1945, the Frauenkirsche had dominated the
Dresden skyline for over 200 years. After being destroyed near the end of World War II, the
remains of this monumental Baroque church, not unlike Coventry
Cathedral, lingered as a moving monument to a community ravaged by war.
It
was not until the 1990s that the rebuilding of the Frauenkirche would
begin. The project,
sustained by generous donations from countries around the world, and
possible through the reunification of Germany, will return this icon of
faith and hope to its rightful role in 2005.
In
2004, restoration works on the exterior will be completed and on July
24, 2004, the Golden Cross will once again occupy its place atop the dome
of the Frauenkirsche, 100 metres above the city. A
completely restored Frauenkirsche will be consecrated in a festive
service on October 30, 2005.
Dresden's
Royal Palace, the former residence of the electors from the House of
Wettin and Saxon kings will undertake the transition to a new identity
as one of the world's leading museums.
In
Spring 2004, the Dresden Collection of Prints and Drawings will become a
permanent exhibition at the Palace.
The Collection of Prints and Drawings which was founded in 1720
as an independent institute, is one of the oldest collections of graphic
art in the world.
The
Collection includes nearly 450,000 exhibits embracing all forms of
graphic art and drawings from early wood and copper engravings, artistic
drawings, color wood engravings and book illustrations to contemporary
works. The collection will
be displayed under a variety of alternating topics.
The
first exhibition, entitled "Views of the World - From Durer to
Picasso" will open on April 23, 2004.
The main exhibition is expected to be "Rembrandt - The
Dresden Drawings." The
Dresden Rembrandt collection is one of the most important in the world
and will be exhibited in 2004 for the first time in over 40 years.
The exhibition is scheduled to run from August 6, 2004 to October
3, 2004.
It
will also be possible to compare many of these drawings to paintings in
the permanent collection at the Old Master Picture Gallery.
Between
1723 and 1729, the Saxon-Polish Elector, King Augustus the Strong, had
rooms in the western wing of Dresden Palace converted into a splendid
public treasure museum. Because the
rooms were painted green, they soon became known as the "Green
Vaults." This is where Augustus kept the jewelry and goldsmith's
art he acquired, as well as works of art made from ivory, stone carvings
and bronze figurines.
In
September 2004, this exhibition will return to its original home in
Dresden Palace. The
exhibition will include rare drinking vessels from medieval times as
well as items from the Renaissance and early Baroque era along with
items made by artisans in the court of King Augustus.
Perhaps
the finest example of artisan skills are the ivory and ebony figures
made by Balthasar Permoser and the unique cabinet items of Johann
Melchior Dinglinger, such as the Royal Household of Dehli."
It
is important to note that Dresden's "new beginning" is based
on one of the most important cultural heritages in European history.
To this end, in a perfect world, the media that so widely
reported the flooding of 2002, would have given equal time to informing
the world that Dresden was now fully restored and better than ever!
The
Old Town, or historical center of Dresden,
is located on the south bank of the Elbe, at a place where the river
makes a graceful bend. Throughout
the ages, the area was
heavily fortified and under this protection, commerce and culture
flourished in the Saxon Capital.
Today,
the Dresden cityscape along the south bank of the Elbe is an attractive
ensemble of classic
architectural styles. In
spite of the destruction during the Second World War, the Old City of
Dresden has carefully preserved its original character . Further,
the location of the Saxon State Parliament and the Town Hall are strong
indications that the Old City has retained its historic political
viability.
Many
of the institutions that form the essence of Dresden's
art and cultural heritage are located within this historic quarter.
Some notable examples follow: The
Zwinger
Palace
The
Semper Opera House
Built
1838-41 by Gottfried Semper. Gutted by fire in 1869. Rebuilt 1871-78 in
High Renaissance style according to Semper´s plans by his son Manfred.
The house was completely destroyed in 1945 and reopened in 1985 after
extensive reconstruction. It
is the only theater in Germany that bears the name of its architect
The
history of court music in Dresden dates to the 15th century. The "Hofcantorey" choir and orchestra founded
in 1548 started a tradition which continues to this very day. Dresden is the home of important orchestras, such as the
Staatskapelle and the Dresden Philharmonic. In the Dresden Semper Opera House, audiences can enjoy a
unique blend of tradition and contemporary music culture.
The
Staatskapelle Orchestra is one of the leading orchestras in the world
and occupies a prominent place in the musical life of the city.
With its 145 musicians, it not only accompanies productions
of the State Opera Company, but also maintains its own extensive concert
calendar. The
Dresden Philharmonic, the second world-class orchestra at home in
Dresden, devotes its activities not only to regular concerts and tours,
both at home and abroad, but also to intensive cultivation of chamber
music traditions and to musical education. Special
emphasis is given to the works of Beethoven, Mahler, Brahms, Bruckner
and Tschaikovsky, as well as to contemporary compositions.
The
Royal
Palace
Heavily
damaged in 1945, reconstruction commenced in 1989 and is nearing its
ultimate completion in 2006, the City's 800th anniversary.
The Palace was first mentioned in local history over 700 years ago.
Originally constructed as a palace, with four wings built in the
late 15th century. In
the mid 16th century it was enlarged in Renaissance-style only to be destroyed by fire
in 1701 and rebuilt under Augustus the
Strong. At the turn of the
20th century, extensive alterations in Neo-Renaissance style were carried out
to mark the 800th anniversary of the Wettin dynasty. The
Cathedral
In
the crypt, you will find the sarcophagus of the Wettins and a case
containing the heart of Augustus the Strong. Altmarket
Square
During
the bombing raids of February 1945, the historical Altmarkt square was
completely destroyed. Reconstruction on a revised ground plan began in
1953. The rebuilding of
residential and business premises referred to historical elements –
continuous bay-windows, sectionalized plaster-sandstone facades, dormer
windows, saddleback roofs and adornment.
These
buildings – today classified as a historical monument - form the east
and west boundaries of the Altmarkt square. At
the northern front of the square the Kulturpalast (Palace of Culture),
a multifunctional site for culture was built in 1969. The
development of the southern side of Altmarkt square has begun in the
recent years and remodeling of the complete area is planned. Today,
Altmarkt square is once again used for seasonal markets and events. One
highlight, among others, is the annual Dresden Christmas Market - which
is one of the oldest in Germany. The
Albertinum The New Quarter The quarter on the northern banks of the Elbe is called Neustadt. After a disastrous fire in 1685, the quarter - which had formally been incorporated into the City of Dresden - was systematically rebuilt as the “New Town near Dresden,” the Neustadt quarter. The baroque reconstruction produced attractive streets and sites which are still in daily use in the area around Königstrasse. The entrance to “Inner Neustadt” is the Neustädter Markt with the equestrian statue of the Saxon elector and Polish king Frederick August I, the “Golden Horseman.” Beyond the statue, is the beginning of the Hauptstrasse, the main street of the historical quarter.
The
northernmost adjoining district is called the "Outer Neustadt,"
a residential district with preserved historical architecture from the
turn of the century. In the
past decade, a manifold cultural scene has developed in the narrowly
built streets. Today the Outer Neustadt between Königsbrücker Strasse
and Lutherplatz square has numerous restaurants, extensive variety of
shopping and cultural opportunities.
Shopping in Dresden
Shopping
in Dresden offers the visitor designer fashions, luxury brands, arts and
antiques in thoroughly enjoyable surroundings.
Looking for upscale department stores?
Try Prager Strasse in the Old Town (Altstadt).
This cosmopolitan boulevard is famous for it's architecture,
fountains and colorful gardens behind its small hotels.
On the Altmarkt, at the end of Prager Strasse, you can visit the
newly opened ‘Altmarkt-Galerie’ with 100 shops, cafés and
restaurants on four levels, covering an area of more than 25,000 metres.
In
Dresden’s fashionable Baroque district centered on Königstrasse, there
are no fewer than fifteen galleries and dozens
of upscale retailers, including designer fashions at Gabriele Hafner and Mode
- Villa. Prisco Passage is
a new and very chic Italian Piazza filled with shops offering fine
fashion and offerings to those interested in the art of gourmet cooking.
For
the epicure, a visit to the Neustader Markthalle ,Germany's finest
market hall is a must. This
is a showcase for the best of the regions produce, international
favorites, specialty foods, wines and spirits. This Victorian Era gem was built in 1899 and remains
resplendent in the intricacies of its wrought iron railings, decorated
iron staircases and atmospheric lanterns.
Also on the Neustadt side of the Elbe, the Hauptstrasse
pedestrian area is an attractive shopping area between the Old and New City districts.
Dresden has more than 500 restaurants. So there are restaurants featuring international cuisines from Italian, French, to Russian in addition to those with kitchens devoted to Saxon gastronomy.
A great way to get acquainted with Dresden and its environs, is to take an excursion on one of the vintage paddle wheel steamers operated by Saxon Steamship Company. A variety of cruises are available from short journeys to Pillnitz Palace to panorama tours through "Saxon Switzerland." There are two local narrow gauge railways, one of which the Grossen Garten Park Railway, will take you on a tour through the largest of Dresden's many parks. There's no question, that anniversary celebrations in 2006, will make for a very special year. But there can be little doubt that a visit to Dresden today will be anything less than a thoroughly enjoyable and fulfilling experience. We are grateful to Dresden Tourism for providing the information and graphics used in this article.
Links
related to this article: Dresden International Congress Centre |
