Dresden

Dresden
A city characterized for its distinct arts and culture in Germany is Dresden. Dresden is a modern city with the flair of the former Saxon residence - offers you a place with a lifestyle. Many million out-of-towners fly to Dresden every year. A city where the inhabitants are known for their own special charm, Saxon hospitality is proverbial.

Dresden - meaning people of the riverside forest - is the capital city of the German Federal Free State of Saxony. The Dresden valley is situated on the River Elbe and has emerged as a cultural, political, and economic centre in the eastern part of Germany.

As of climate, it lies within a cold-moderate to continental climate zone. Summers are marked mainly by hot and humid days and winters by cold and chill days.

Since Dresden has been the capital and royal residence for the Electors and Kings of Saxony for centuries, it is furnished with cultural and artistic splendor. The city underwent huge destruction during World War II but today it has a new status and reputation. Notable restoration work has settled the damage of Dresden.

Culture
Arts and entertainment have notable respect in Dresden. Its reputation as a top European city of art has to a great extent been formed by the work of visual artists, music and theater. The climate is equally suitable for the development of the arts and for viniculture in the region. Caspar David Friedrich, the Brucke group of artists as well as a number of contemporary artists, all stand for new forms and ways of artistic expression.

As of current estimates, there are about 600 visual artists marking their way in Dresden. One of the high points in the art year is the annual Dresden Art Market, the only art fair in East Germany. The fair has been held since 1992 with around 70 exhibitors.

Music aficionados all over the world are familiar with Dresden. Dresden offers a wide and diverse range of music stretching from jazz to pop rock and court to contemporary music. You may either enjoy open-air concerts and musical evenings in the Baroque atmosphere of the old town. Several music events are held in Dresdens palaces and parks, especially during the Dresden Music Festival.

The citys theatres, too, have added remarkably to the Dresdens world-wide reputation as a centre of art and culture. Magnificent theatre high-rises, such as the famous Semper Opera House, demonstrate through their appearances the significance attached to this genre of art. Although all the theatres were destroyed during the Second World War, theatre enthusiasts today can still choose from a diverse program.

The Dresden Staatsschauspiel offers its spectators a wide range of dramatic art. Dresden has a couple of Multiplex Cinemas, the Rundkino being the oldest. There are also many local and small-scale cinemas and theatres of cinematic arts. These theaters feature alternative films and current films of low budget or weak promotion and are chosen by their cultural worth.

Festivals and Attractions
When it comes to putting on wonderful celebrations, Dresden boasts awe-inspiring old traditions. Visitors will find an extremely diverse festival culture surviving here in Dresden. Among the most flourishing festivals are the Striezelmarkt, the Dresden Vogelwiese as well as the diverse Baroque court festivities. The former one is the oldest German Christmas market whereas later is a fun fair, collectively contributing to the Dresdens European Status as a city of festivals.

In addition to the conventional celebrations and festivals, there is yet a notable number of new activities all year round. Dresden residents and visitors may choose from a grater number of all kinds of events which have more than just regional importance.

Dresden provides you an ample opportunity to enjoy all good things happening in the city. A greater number of attractions are offered. The Electors and Kings of Saxony were known as art collectors and acquired valuable art treasures over the course of centuries.

Dresden is one of the most important museum cities in Europe today. The Dresden City Museum is amongst the must-visit places in Dresden, displaying an exhibition concerning Dresdens history and several changing art exhibitions.

Roam around the city and you will appreciate every side of the prism. No book about the history of architecture can miss to mention the significant Dresden Zwinger. The Frauenkirche Church, Semper Opera House and Royal Palace as well as many other historical monuments and ensembles determine the majestic scale of the city.

The saucy angels from Raphaels The Sistine Madonna earned publicity for the citys art collections in the whole world. Splendid promenades on the bank of the Elbe, history-rich museums and institutions, industries, charming details - Dresden has yet a lot for its visitors to explore.