Dresden offers a lot to see in many varieties: There is no history of architecture that does not mention the Dresden "Zwinger". "Frauenkirche" ("Church of Our Lady"), "Semperoper" and the "Residenzschloss" lend a characteristic touch to the image of the city, along with other buildings and ensembles of historic importance. The cherubs from Rafael's Sistine Madonna announce Dresden's art collections to the whole world. Splendid promenades on the river bank, interesting museums and establishments, technical monuments, endearing details: there's a lot you can discover in Dresden.

Semperoper

The tradition of opera in Dresden goes well back to the Renaissance. Originally, it was closely linked with the court of the electoral prince, and made use of various venues. Since 1838, however, the city has had a representative opera house and towards 1878, the final construction was completed under the guidance of Manfred Semper. After it was destroyed in World War II, the opera was reconstructed true to the original by 1985, and got back its figurative decoration and ornamentation. By virtue of its musical tradition and the high quality of the ensemble at the State Opera of Saxony, the "Semperoper" Dresden is now again one of the best known opera houses in the world.

Guided tours are conducted only during the non-concert season. Duration: approximately 1 hour
Tickets will be available only just before the guided tour of the Opera House starts (no advance booking).
Admission: Adults 6 €, reduced 3 €, family ticket 12 €

The Dresden Frauenkirche ("Church of Our Lady")

The Dresden "Frauenkirche" ("Church of Our Lady") is one of the highlights of protestant church architecture in Saxony, and a masterpiece of European baroque. The monumental central cupola was erected between 1726 and 1743 under the leadership of the Dresden based architect and engineer Georg Bähr. For more than 200 years, the bell-shaped dome, called the "stone bell", confidently defined the skyline of Dresden. Destroyed in February 1945, the impressive ruins stood as a memorial against war and destruction. The reconstruction that was started in 1994 had the same intention: using the parts of the building that had been preserved, the "Frauenkirche" was recreated in "archaeological reconstruction", as a place of faith, hope and confluence, supported by generous donations from many countries of the world.

The Zwinger

This building, one of the most important in the late baroque period of Europe, came into existence under the leadership of the architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann and the sculptor Balthasar Permoser, commissioned by the Prince Elector of Saxony, August the Strong, from 1709. Started initially as an orangerie, the "Zwinger" evolved by and by into a venue of a courtly culture of festivals and representation encouraged by August the Strong. Today, this world famous work of art located between the Dresden Castle, the catholic "Hofkirche" (Court Church) and the "Semperoper" is home to the art collections commissioned by the king, such as the "Alte Meister" art gallery, the Armoury, the porcelain collection, the zoological museum or the mathematics and physics salon. Enjoy a tour of the galleries, visit the "Nymphenbad" and listen to the sounds of the bells made of Meissen porcelain.

Painting gallery "Alte Meister", Semperbau on the Zwinger

Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays
Armoury, Semperbau in the Zwinger
Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays
Porcelain collection, Zwinger
Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays
Mathematics-Physics Salon, Zwinger
Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays

Pillnitz Castle

From an exotic toy castle to a summer residence. The castle complex at "Pillnitz" is an extraordinary ensemble of architecture and garden design, inserted into the river landscape in front of the vineyards in the Elbe valley. Under the influence of east Asian mode, the foundation stone for one of the most important Chinese architectures in Europe was laid in the 18th century, through the construction of the water and hillside palace. Even toady, its transformation to the summer residence of the Saxon monarchy can be traced back in an impressive manner.

Guided tours of the castle parks:
You will get insights into the history of the castle and the parks, see the dendrological rarities and get a taste of the proclivities of the Saxon rulers. The tour takes you to the most interesting parts of the castle complex. The visit to the catholic castle chapel as well as the Chinese and English gardens is possible only with the accompaniment of the park guide.
Guided tours are conducted on weekends in April and from May to the first weekend in November.
Start: 11 am, 12 midday, 1 pm and 2 pm
Duration: approximately 75 to 90 minutes
Admission: Adults 3 €, reduced 2 €, family ticket 8 €
Rendezvous/Tickets: Visitor information "Alte Wache"

Meissen

Meissen is the historical core of Saxony. The Wettin Saxons set forth from the Margrave's Tower. The gothic church with its towers completed in the 19th century is a hallmark sign of this city on the Elbe, visible from far. The "Albrechtsburg" with its "Wendelstein" is considered to be the oldest example of a residential castle from the renaissance period in Germany. Beneath the hill with the fortress is the old city, with the beautiful Renaissance "Rathaus" (town hall) in the marketplace. The world famous Meissen porcelain manufacturers present the masterpieces of 'white gold" at the exhibition hall, with the trademark of the Blue Swords from the time dating back to their origin (1710) up the present day.

Radeberger Exportbeer brewery

An interesting and informative tour will allow you to get a behind the wings glimpse of the Radeberg export beer brewery. Besides giving information about the making and filling of Radeberger Pilsner that is steeped in tradition, a tasting session for the Radeberger Pilsner and Zwickelbier (unfiltered Radeberger Pilsner) is also part of the agenda. In addition to this, there will be a small surprise takeaway for every guest. After the guided tour of the Radeberger Exportbierbrauerei you will visit the bar of the Radeberger brewery located in the historic "Kaiserhof".
Duration of the visit: approximately 2.5 hours
Visiting hours:
Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5.30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm

The filling unit is closed on weekends. The plant however is very likely to be open from Monday to Friday, but not guaranteed.