Dresden World Heritage Site:A Baroque City, Risen From The Ashes

Dresden is a symbol of the rise, fall andresurrection of a city. Although already a

settlement before the common era, it has onlybeen documented since 1174. The city owes itsglory to one man in particular – King AugustFriedrich I, called August the Strong. Throughclever politicking, Saxony’s rich silver mines anda prosperous economy, the monarch was able

to increase his sphere of power and eventuallysecure the crown of Poland. During his reignand that of his son August II, Dresden becameone of the most impressive Baroque cities ofEurope. It is here that the making of porcelain(white gold) was developed. On 17 February1945, the Baroque Jewel came to a tragic end.Six hundred and fifty thousand incendiary

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> Dresden-Armin GemmerCover photo by: Christoph Muench

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Dresden is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Europe. The silhouette of thePromenade of Dresden was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. The Green Vault in theCastle where the Saxon Crown Jewels are displayed, the so-called Zwinger and the SemperOpera Building are renowned throughout the world. Much was destroyed in the Second WorldWar. Now, however, almost 20 years after the reunification of the two Germanys, the historicbuildings have attained their former glory and can be visited once again.

Islamic Tourism – Issue 26 – November-December / 2006 For more information, visit our website www.islamictourism.com

bombs were dropped on the historic city centreand wreaked heavy damage. Thanks to anastounding effort on the part of the populationafter reunification, it has been possible to givenew life to the architectural wonders of thecity. There is still much to be done, but now, 17years after the fall of the wall, the city hasregained its former charm.�

Inside the «Zwinger» ô¨æjhR πNGO øe

The Brühl Terrace – The Balcony of EuropeLike the clasp of a necklace, the Brühl Terracelinks the baroque ensemble of buildings on thebanks of the Elbe. Here Brühl whose name stilladorns the terrace rearranged a palace in 1739with a “Lustgarten” which has been open tothe public since 1814. Since then, numerousarchitectural works of art and fountains havebeen erected. The “Belvedere” and “Reale”were the first prominent coffee houses - hencethe nickname “Balcony of Europe”.

FrauenkircheThe Frauenkirche is not only a milestone inthe history of baroque architecture, butthrough its destruction and reconstruction incooperation with the one-time enemy, it hasbecome a symbol of freedom throughout theworld. Even the pilots who were instrumentalin the destruction helped to rebuild it.Originally inspired by domes in Rome andFlorence, the building was designed in 1726by Gottfried Bär. Since the site on which thebuilding was to stand was limited in size, theproportions of the Italian buildings could notbe copied. A tower-like dome and arectanglar layout was the solution. Theworld’s largest sandstone church was at thesame time the most important constructionof the baroque period as it combineselements of Classicism with Baroque.

Semper Opera HouseMany come to Dresden just to see the SemperOpera House. The building with two-storeyarcades in the form of arches is considered amasterpiece of neo-renaissance architecture.Statues of famous poets and writers decoratethe outer façade. Particularly imposing is thebronze sculpture of Dionysos and a quadrigapulled by panthers located high above theportal. Opera lovers claim that the acoustics inthe four steep tiers are better than in the Scalaof Milan. If you want to experience this inperson, make sure you order your tickets early.Performances in the Semper opera are soldout very early – sometimes a year in advance.

The Green VaultThe unimposing term Green Vault refers tothe treasure room of fairytale-like riches. In1723, August the Strong presented hiswealth to the public. Since 1 September of2006 it is again possible to view the largest

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GôHhC’G QGOSemper Opera House

∑ôHÉØcÉHÉJ Ró«fój ≈æÑeThe «Yednidze Tabakfabrik» Building

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collection of treasures in Europe. It featuresa unique and rich variety of exhibits fromthe period of baroque and classicism whichwere collected by August the Strong. Themost famous of the exhibitions is from thecourt of Delhi, an ensemble of 137 goldplated figurines decorated with diamondsand rubies.

The ZwingerThe location of the Zwinger was once partof the Dresden fortress of which the outerwall is conserved. The name comes from theGerman word Zwinger (kennel) and was notmeant for animals but for the cannons thatwere placed between the outer wall and themajor wall. The onion-shaped dome at theentrance, borne by four eagles, isrepresentative of the office of the king ofPoland and the power and wealth of thebuilder. The complex with several buildingsenclosing a picturesque garden courtyardincluding the “Old Masters’ Picture Gallery”is viewed as a masterpiece of court baroque.

Old And New Masters’ PictureGalleriesAt the height of their powers, the ElectorsAugust II and III put together a collection ofthe most famous paintings of Europe. Thecrowning piece of the collection in theGallery of the Old Masters is undoubtedlythe Sistine Madonna by Raffael. Until thebeginning of the 20th century the collectionwas regularly extended, culminating in theGallery of the New Masters.

The Cigar Factory – A Homage to TurkeyThe most unusual building of the city is nodoubt the former cigar factory. Today in useas an administration building, its similarityto a mosque is not a coincidence. When itwas built at the end of the 18th century itwas the fashion to integrate exotic styles. Itis also a tribute to Turkey the country wherethe builder made his money.

The SurroundingsThe bizarre formations of Saxon Switzerlandin sandstone cover an enormous area. Hereit is possible to undertake long hikes in a

strikingly beautiful region. For those whoare short on time, at the very least a visit tothe Bastei and the Fortress Königsstein is amust. The 300-year old porcelain factory, inthe city of Meissen offers a once-in-a-lifetime view into the story of themanufacture of white gold.

TRAVEL INFO AT:Dresden-Werbung und Tourismus GmbHTel: 0351-49192100Fax: 0351-49192116info@dresden-tourist.dewww.dresden.de

Islamic Tourism – Issue 26 – November-December / 2006 For more information, visit our website www.islamictourism.com

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á∏KÉe âdGR Ée á«fÉãdG á«ŸÉ©dG Üô◊G øe QÉeódG ÉjÉ≤Hô¨æjhR πNGO øe Some of the destruction from the WWII still remainingInside the «Zwinger»