Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), at Neumarkt (tel. 0351/4981131; www.frauenkirche-dresden.org), was built between 1726 and 1743 and once was known throughout Europe for its 93m (305-ft.) dome. On the night of February 13, 1945, it was bombed by Allied planes, and during the Cold War remained the most evocative ruins in Dresden. The East German government deliberately let the blackened hulk stay as it was as a reminder of the horrors of modern warfare. Today the church has been rebuilt and was reconsecrated for the 800th anniversary of the founding of Dresden on October 30, 2005. The original pieces from the pile of rubble left over from 1945 were used, along with other materials. This is one of the most important Protestant churches in Germany, with its famous dome restored. In 2002, the duke of Kent came to Dresden to hand over a new dome cross, with a dimension of 8m (26 ft.), a symbol of reconciliation between Great Britain and Germany. The German chancellor, Gerhard Schröder, participated in the ceremony, the transfer taking place 55 years after the destruction of Dresden by Allied bombers. Admission is free, and hours are daily from 10am to 4pm (tram no. 4 or 8).
Residenzschloss, the Dresden Royal Palace, stands at Schlossplatz (tel. 0351/49142000), behind its Renaissance facade. This was the former royal palace on which construction was begun in 1709 and where Napoleon once stood. It was destroyed by British bombers in 1945. Sections are open for visits, which cost 12€ ($19) and are led Wednesday to Monday 10am to 6pm. In the Georgenbau rooms are historical exhibits about Dresden, including the rebuilding of the palace. You enter through the impressive main entrance, Georgentor, with its towering statue of Georg, the Saxon count. From April to October, the Hausmann Tower or Hausmannsturm can be climbed for a panoramic vista over Dresden and the Elbe. The chief attraction here is the Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vaults), a dazzling collection of 16th- to 18th-century treasures: rococo chests, ivory carvings, jewelry, intricately designed mirrors, and priceless porcelain. Many pieces were created by the craftspeople of local guilds; others were acquired from the far corners of the earth. It's open from mid-March to mid-November (tram no. 2, 4, or 8).
The restored Katholische Hofkirche (Catholic Court Church), Schlossplatz (tel. 0351/4844712), is the largest church in Saxony. It was built by the son of August the Strong, Frederick Augustus II, who ruled from 1733 to 1763. The church's facade has 38 biblical and historical figures in the high baroque style. Inside, you can see the crypt with the tombs of 49 rulers of Saxony and a box allegedly containing the heart of August the Strong. On the main floor you can see a beautiful stone pulpit by the royal sculptor, Balthasar Permoser (1651-1732), one of the leading sculptors of his time in Saxony. There's also an 18th-century church organ. Admission is free. This church, also known as the Cathedral of St. Trinitas, is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, and Sunday 1:30 to 4pm. Guided tours, conducted only in German and priced at 3€ ($4.80) per person, are conducted Monday to Thursday at 2pm and Saturday at 1 and 2pm (tram no. 4 or 8).
Kreuzkirche (Church of the Cross) (tel. 0351/4393920) stands at the Altmarkt, or old market square. This church is the home of the Kreuzchor, the famous boys' choir of Dresden. Free concerts are conducted every Saturday at 5pm, unless the choir is traveling. The church's architecture is a combination of baroque and Art Nouveau. The present building is from the late 18th century, although a church stood here as early as the 13th century. You can also see the reconstructed Rathaus (Town Hall) and the 18th-century Landhaus at the Altmarkt. Very little of it is open to viewing and its tower is also closed. However, you can appreciate its facade. Take tram no. 4 or 8.
Of Dresden's many parks and gardens, the best and most popular is the Grosser Garten, to the southeast of the Altstadt. This park, which was mapped out in 1676, contains a zoo and a botanical garden. In the center is a minor Lustschloss (pleasure palace) built in 1670 that's most appealing when viewed from the outside; just don't plan a casual visit during the occasional midsummer concerts conducted there (you'll spend most of your time fighting your way through the crowd, rather than admiring the palace!). For more information, contact the tourist office.
