Dresden Dream
Sailing upstream under the
‘Blue Wonder Bridge’ aboard one of the world’s oldest paddle-steamers, taking
in the beauty of the Elbe Valley, was definitely my kind of holiday, I told
myself snugly as I settled down on a seat that was strategically placed to
provide pristine views.
And indeed, the views were pristine. Grand city monuments looked down on expansive green steppes that tapered down to the river on both sides, as we chugged along.
It didn’t take me long to
realize that they don’t call Dresden the ‘Florence of the Elbe’ for nothing.
Set against a scenic background is an inexhaustible potential of art, science,
and dynamic industry; reason enough for ranking the city as the ninth largest
international tourist centre.
It is one big panorama, that makes for one big adventure. Their domes and steeples piercing the sky, imposing old structures greet one at every turn. And the first timer’s first impression is shaped by the skilled architecture that’s created a fusion between the old and the new, paying tribute to a city that is fiercely keen on progressing.
If one were to single out Dresden’s single largest attraction, it would stem from its historical monuments! The airiness of the Zwinger, the proud majesty of the Cathedral (the Hofkirche), the magnificent Opera House built by Gottfried Semper, and the grand Bruhl Terrace with its view of the city on the green meadow-lined Elbe River.
The list also includes
Frauenkirche, which after its complex reconstruction aimed at restoring it to
its former glory, is an architectural marvel.
Buffeted often in its long history, the Church was burnt out in 1945 and
Dresden had been robbed of its most famous landmark. Now restored, it has taken
its rightful place in the city’s list of major monuments.
My discovery of the city started
at the place in town! And it was pure, quick seduction! It’s hard
to ignore the sweeping grace of Zwinger, the only preserved festival complex of
the Baroque epoch. It’s beautiful, immaculately maintained grass courtyard park
with its fountain is surrounded by four rectangular and two round pavilions
which house a large part of the Dresden Art Collection. More admiration ensued at the world’s first
museum of state treasures, the ‘Green Vault’, with its display items from
Europe’s second largest art chamber. Right next door is located the world’s
largest porcelain mosaic, the magnificent ‘Procession of Princes’ that’s also
recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.
The city is replete with
works of art that span all spheres and seasons.
From the Old Masters Picture Gallery to topical museum and gallery
exhibitions, from the Semper Opera House to contemporary music, from famed institutions
like the Staatsschauspiel Theatre Co, the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra and
the State Operetta, to festivals and small theatres and cabarets, the show just
goes on and on.
Dresden has another famed feature. I didn’t have a clue about what to expect when I stepped into the stunning interior of ‘the most beautiful dairy store in the world’. Over the generations, hundreds of thousands of local consumers and tourists have crammed the ornate interiors of the Pfunds Dairy Store. One can be forgiven thinking he’s in a plush restaurant or opulent museum rather than a dairy outlet. Showing matchless unity, the store’s decoration features include a ceiling and floor covered with colourful tiles that show motifs of playing children, landscapes with grazing cows, and butterflies flitting about, and walls with sunfaces and flowers produced in soft and brilliant colours, and vines with large leaves, colourful ribbons, and winged cherubs holding onto graduated cylinders and milk cans. There is an expansive ceramic counter, a richly decorated refrigerator, candelabra-like columns, a milk fountain, and a profusion of gilded mirrors. There is even a portrait of the Kaiser, and the English and American coat of arms.
The historical ceramic
counter offers an exquisite selection of cheese specialties from cow’s milk
products to sheep or goat milks’, sliced to hard varieties, cream varieties to
fresh cheese. With the belief that only with a glass of wine does the taste of
cheese reach its full perfection, and to compliment the international cheese
products available, the dairy offers suitably matched quality wines in a
‘marriage of cheese and wine’.
Having seen and absorbed the
city’s tourist delights, I decided to venture further out to the region known
as ‘Saxon Switzerland’, with its infinitely rich landscape, architecture and
culture, with landmarks like the world-famous ‘Bastei’ and the Konigstein
Fortress.
Dresden awaits the world. Cradled
by its rich history, with careful restoration and reconstruction, the ‘Florence
of the Elbe’ remains a tourist powerhouse.
Travel Facts
Dresden is best approached
via Frankfurt, which is connected with several Indian metros by Lufthansa. From
Frankfurt, Dresden is about an hour’s flight.
Accommodation options are
vast and varied, ranging from deluxe to standard hotels, from guesthouses to
dormitories. Tariffs range from 75-500 Euro.
While there are taxis and
trams, it is practical and enjoyable to explore the tourist quarter on foot.
The elaborate dining choices
include Indian and vegetarian. A meal
for two at a standard restaurant costs from 30-40 Euro.
The best time to visit is
from April through November. But with proper clothing, the winter also holds
special outdoor charms.
The German National Tourist
Office based in Delhi provides full backup information about Dresden and other
Germany cities and tourist attractions.
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