Dresden is the capital city of the German Federal Free State of Saxony. It is situated in a valley on the River Elbe and has a long history as the capital and royal residence of the Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendour.

The controversial bombing of Dresden in World War II, plus 40 years in the Soviet bloc state of East Germany, changed the face of the city dramatically.

Since German re-unification, Dresden, re-energised by a massive rebuilding programme, has emerged once more as a cultural, political and economic centre of the eastern part of the Federal Republic of Germany. Even today, over 60 years since the end of WWII, Dresden is still undergoing massive rebuilding and refurbishment and is, as a result, in parts, a “brand new” Baroque masterpiece with no building more typifying Dresden’s regeneration than the iconic Frauenkirche, which was finally rebuilt from 1992 and completed as a landmark symbol of reconciliation between former warring enemies in 2005.

Other famous sights include the Zwinger Palace, which houses the Semper Gallery and its collection of over 2,000 paintings, including the Sistine Madonna by Raphael (1483-1520) as well as many fine examples of Meissen porcelain, pewter items, scientific instruments, coins and the crown jewels of Saxony.

Semper Oper

The Semper Opera House is one of the most beautiful theatres in Europe, overcoming a turbulent history. The first Opera House was built 1838—41 by the architect Gottfried Semper and one of the most well-known conductors of the time, Richard Wagner, conducted here from 1843.

Not for the only time in its history, the building fell victim to flames and, following its destruction in 1869, was rebuilt between 1871 and 1878 in the High Renaissance style.

During the bombing of Dresden in February 1945, the building was once more left in ruins and remained so until 1977, when reconstruction work began. Work was completed in 1985 and the theatre now stands as one of the finest opera houses in the world.