Though many bridges connect Dresden’s historic town with the newer parts across the river Elbe, it is the Augustusbrucke (or Bridge of Augustus) that is riveting. It is one of the oldest and is named after Augustus the Strong. Standing at its entrance, the historic part of Dresden lays spread out spectacularly in front and is probably the sight that visitors in ancient times saw. From here, the lovely sandstone coloured buildings, partly blacked with age, stand in unparalleled glory. The buildings exhibit a variety of styles ranging from Baroque to Renaissance, or what is termed by historians as the Dresden style. From here, it is possible to view the historic part of Dresden in full—on the right is the Semperoper, next to which is the Zwinger; across is the Hofkirche and Dresden Castle behind it; slightly towards the left is Bruhl’s Terrace with its magnificent buildings behind which at the extreme left is the Freunkirche.