Dresden for a Day
I had seen Dresden once before and that was last 2012 while we were on our way to Prague, Czech Republic. Our train didn't stop by the city but its beautiful skyline did catch my eye. I knew I wanted to visit it someday. That someday came last June 2025. It was a memorable trip. Although once a part of communist East Germany, the city has been transformed into a modern city full of historic buildings and monuments and with a very vibrant commercial and retail scene. I do want to return for a more leisurely visit in the near future.
Of all its attractions, the Parade of Princes, the long porcelain mural depicting kings of centuries past was my big favorite. Part of the Royal Palace complex, it was a sight to behold. We went to see it twice.
We really didn't prepare much for this day trip to Dresden. I only knew of the porcelain mural and other than that, I knew nothing about the city's sights and attractions. We decided we were not going to sweat it out and make it a relaxed trip. We figured we were going to see whatever we could while we were there and not worry if we missed some place. From the station I remember seeing the IBIS Hotel and a huge modern mall on the street leading to the city center. It felt safe and quiet.
Our cultural blitzkrieging began with a visit to the Zwinger Palace. We didn't go inside. We just took pictures of different parts of the building from the outside. There was a lot of construction going on within the palace confines. From there, we went from one church to another, took pictures of several art galleries and museums, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere in the city's squares and markets.
The Zwinger Palace was an imposing complex right in the heart of the city. There was a lot of work being done to it at the time of our visit.
The view of this Zwinger Palace gate with the huge crown was very impressive.
I believe this was a cafe at the Zwinger Palace but it was closed when we arrived.
Ornate details could be found all around the Zwinger Palace complex.
My favorite, the porcelain mural called the Parade of Princes. What a sight!
A close up view of part of the the Parade of Princes porcelain mural
The Church of Our Lady and the statue of Martin Luther
The main altar of the Church of Our Lady. This church was full of visitors we we went inside.
The Courtyard of the Stallhof. The interior of the bldg where the porcelain mural of the Parade of Princes is located.
The Cathedral of Dresden
The facade of the Church of the Holy Cross, Dresden
The main altar of the Church of the Holy Cross, Dresden
The Julius Otto Memorial. Julius Otto's Memorial can be found just outside the Holy Cross Church. He was a pretty significant composer in Dresden and served as cantor of the Kreuzkirche from 1830-1875.
Oktogon, Art Hall of the University of Fine Arts, Dresden
Dresden's Opera
Every time I think of City Hall buildings in Europe, I think of grand old buildings resembling palaces. Dresden's city hall was nothing of the sort. It was pretty non descript and ordinary.
The main entrance to the Galerie Centrum in Dresden
Inside Galerie Centrum in Dresden. This was a big mall close to the Dresden Hauptbahnhof.
The train we took to go to Dresden from Berlin's Main Train Station was also one going to Prague in the Czech Republic. What memories it brought of our trip last 2012!
On board the train to Dresden half asleep and jetlagged from our recent arrival from the US. Tired but excited and happy.
We passed by this storefront selling colorful cinnabons. Absolutely beautiful store and the sweet smell of sugar filled the air.
Kunsthalle's main facade. It's an art gallery.
A partial view of the side of the Kuntshalle
Sculptures on the side wall of the Kuntshalle
Here's what the very tall Ritter Chocolate sculpture looks like inside the station.
Dresden's Hauptbahnhof
A close up view of the Ritter Chocolates sculpture inside Dresden's Hauptbahnhof. I saw the exact same one earlier that day in Berlin's Hauptbahnhof.
The Market Square was very busy.
The Cosel Palace
A scene of the Market Square
Having a drink at a cafe in Dresden