Just 120 miles south of Berlin, Dresden — the capital of Saxony — was long regarded as one of Germany’s most beautiful cities. Yet in 1945, more than 90 percent of its historic city center was destroyed by Allied bombing raids — famously detailed in Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five.”
Over the decades, many of Dresden’s most important structures have been painstakingly rebuilt, including the fabulously ornate Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House, the Royal Palace and the glorious domed Church of Our Lady.
Those sites are must-sees, but may we suggest three more to add to your list.
Grand Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski
Even if you don’t book a room at this opulent hotel, it’s worth stopping by to soak up its sexy Saxony history. Built in the early 1700s by King Augustus “The Strong” for his mistress Countess Cosel, the ornate Taschenberg Palace had been conveniently connected by a sky bridge to the Royal Palace. Mostly destroyed during the Allied bombing, it was reconstructed in 1995 as a five-star hotel that retains many original Baroque details. Stop by for a coffee at the open-air courtyard or a drink at the Karl May Bar. (kempinski.com)
Dresden Museum of Military History
If a military museum sounds like something that only Grandpa would like, think again. Dresden’s is cool from the outset: The traditionally-designed 1870s former arsenal (ironically, unscathed by the war) is dramatically sliced through by a 2011 glass wedge extension, courtesy of architect Daniel Libeskind. Inside, high- and low-tech are seamlessly interwoven to tell the story of war — mainly in Germany but also beyond — from the Middle Ages to the present. Delve further into exhibits using interactive maps, photos, films and more, plus get up close to full-scale submarines, jeeps, planes, air-raid shelters, rockets, nuclear missiles and guns from every era — an impressive yet disturbing collection. (mhmbw.de)
Pillnitz Castle
Every member of royalty needs a second home, and this one, which also belonged to King Augustus (and where he put up his mistresses), is a rather grand affair — with not one but two palaces — one along the river, one atop a hill. The sprawling grounds — which include a mix of English- and Chinese-style gardens — also feature an orangery, pavilions, a church and the Palm House, a 2,100-square-foot greenhouse that is home to plants from around the world. The three-hour roundtrip boat ride from Dresden along the Elbe River is the most scenic — and regal — way to get there (schlosspillnitz.de)