Hofkirche

Just opposite the imposing Augustus Bridge near the Theatre Square and adjacent to the castle is the beautifully dark and imposing mid-18th century Hofkirche or the Dresden Cathedral. A Roman Catholic Cathedral, it is where at least 50 of the Wettins (the long line of rulers of Saxony) including the heart of Augustus the Strong are buried. Like other buildings in the area, the Hofkirche too suffered extensive damage during World War II bombings. It remained a heap of rubble till the mid 1980s and was later re-built by the East German government. Inside, it has lovely white pillars, a high altar, an intricate Rococo pulpit, beautiful paintings and a Gottfried Silbermann organ, supposedly the last made by the famous organist.