Located on the Elbe River in Saxony, Dresden's story is one of rebirth. Allied bombing leveled the city in , but in the decades since the end of the war, renovations have restored the historical core into the vibrant city it was in the 18th century. The project is set to reopen in time for the Striezelmarkt, one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets.
Seema Prakash fell so in love with the city more than a decade ago, she moved here and began giving walking tours of the city and its history.
She shows us a perfect day learning about Dresden. Dresden bewitched me the moment I saw the sun rise over its domes and baroque skyline on a magical morning in Or as my mother called it: a psychohistorian! To show guests my Dresden in a manner that is entertaining, informative and engaging is my personal credo. Some of us believe that the Elbe slows down as it passes its beloved Dresden, kissing both banks before flowing onward.
After being nearly bombed into oblivion during WWII, Dresden has been lovingly rebuilt, and now waits to be discovered by discerning travelers who love culture, history and β of course β wine. In the s, it was rebuilt to be the international face of socialist East Germany, with new apartments, shops, sculptures and fountains surrounding a pedestrianized area. Walk further and enter the baroque heart of historic Dresden, left in ruins during the East German regime before major postβCold War restorations.
Make your way toward Neumarkt and the imposing Frauenkirche , rebuilt to its original splendor using stones sourced from the rubble. Turn left to the end of the terrace and follow the steps down to Schlossplatz, admiring the magnificent Dresden Cathedral and Royal Palace along the way. Pop into the cathedral to admire the extraordinary Silbermann organ, which was happily dismantled and stored safely during the war before its reinstallation. The bus will take you past the impressive Volkswagen Transparent Factory , the beautifully landscaped Grosser Garten Great Garden and over the 19th-century Blue Wonder bridge.
