DresdenGermany

City Information

• Tourism is a major business

• Located in the state of Saxony

• Allied bombing during World War II destroyed 90% of the city

• Currently one of the greenest cities in Europe, with 63% of the land covered in trees

More Information

• Located on the Elbe River, forcing the city to be structured around flood prevention

• Important cultural city, containing the Semperoper (city opera house), as well as historical sites such as the Frauenkirche

• Public transportation is cheap and easily accessible

Frauenkirche• Frauenkirche = Church of Our Lady

• Protestant Church with a statue of Martin Luther in front

• Was completely destroyed during WWII bombings, but has since been rebuilt

• pictures show light and dark stones--the dark stones are part of the original architecture

Frauenkirche

• The chuch is open to tourists daily, but the wait is long

• cost to get in: 10 Euro

• Worth it? Yes!!

Martin Lutherstands in frontof the church

Street Artists

• Many people pose as characters during the day and ask for donations

• You can take pictures with these people, but it will cost you! They expect donations.

• People dress up as specific historical figures or general characters

Entertainment

• The Semperoper was built by the kings of Saxony in the 17th century

• It has since been restored, but many operas are performed here weekly. Tickets are cheaper on week day nights and Sunday afternoons.

Grünes Gewölbe

• Translates to “Green Vault”

• Houses the largest collection of treasures in Europe

• Many rooms with different themes house historical artifacts and artwork

History

• Many buildings still show signs of being bombed.

• Buildings have black at the tops from the fire bombings or have obviously rebuilt parts.