GERMANY :
DRESDEN
Dresden, the capital
of Saxony, is world-renowned for its art treasures, outstanding
theatrical productions and architecture. See the Green Vault with its
exquisite collection of jeweled objects d'art in gold and silver. Visit
the 18th-century Zwinger Palace, one of the greatest examples of Baroque
architecture in Germany and the Semper Opera House with performances
from September to May.
Splendid Baroque
buildings, prestigious gardens : the Florence of the Elbe ! Dresden the
Beautiful ! This was the setting for the splendid parties held by August
the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland. (1670-1733). His moto
was : more art and culture, less soldiers and less power. The Zwinger,
the cathedral, the Baroque Königstraße, Pillnitz Palace and not least
the countless art treasures of the museums and priceless wealth of the
"Green Vault" treasure chamber all testify to this era.
Later, other artists
(sculptors, authors and musicians) contributed to the fame of the city :
Heinrich Schültz, Carl Maria von Weber, Richard Wagner, Robert Schumann,
Ernst Hoffmann, Erich Kästner, Karl May, Caspar David Friedrich, and
many others. Dresden was an innovative economic location and one of the
richest cities in Germany. Today one can discover the largest villa
quarter in the country. The district around Martin-Luther-Platz emerged
at the turn of the century with an alternative city culture, with its
own theatre, modern music and pubs. The picturesque and architecturally
interesting Hellerau Garden City provides a worthwhile detour. Although
the city suffered heavily from the bombardment of February 13, 1945, the
art treasures, having been safely concealed, survive to establish the
importance of Dresden as a cultural center.
The city has been
rebuilt since the wartime destruction of 1945: historical the unique
silhouette along the Elbe, soon to be crowned once more by the dome of
the Frauenkirche, generously modern the southern precincts of the city
centre, lovingly restored the Neustadt quarter. Dresden is in this way
not only pointing to the splendour of former times and the outstanding
significance of art, science and technology, but at the same time
developing creative and future-oriented projects.
The economic life of
Dresden is also flourishing again: tourism, an innovative computer
industry and consumer goods are important sectors. Dresden is also a
popular location for conferences and conventions.
