10 unmissable attractions in Dresden

Dresden in the Germany’ state of Saxony is rather industrial and quite boring. Socialist architecture dominates even though there are hints of majesty in the skyline from the scattered peaks of domes and towers. However, as you sweep up to the River Elbe, which runs right through the centre of town near the historic centre, Dresden’s true magnificence is revealed. Standing on the river, a beautiful set of buildings are seen on the banks of the river and this is the foremost hallmark of Dresden. As you venture inside the historic centre, it quickly becomes evident that art, architecture and culture juxtapose effortlessly in this former East German outpost. A castle with rich treasures, cathedrals with history, art academies and galleries with works by old masters, mansions and murals and scores of museums are generously scattered in the old city. Towering above them is the magnificent Church of Our Lady, bombed during the World War II and painstakingly reconstructed with global donations and topped by a beautiful cross created entirely by the son of an English pilot who participated in the bombing. Spending a couple of days in Dresden is all too easy, traversing cobblestoned streets and stumbling across beautiful buildings round every corner.