My favourite places to shop when travelling are stores that have a history. A rich tapestry of time that makes everything they sell so important! Most of these businesses have been open for multiple generations and represent the best of that country. Things which people have come to love for years and years, so you know it’s the good stuff! It is like taking a piece of history home with you! So come with us now to discover my favourite Historic Shops and the souvenirs to buy which are so much more interesting for your friends and family than any beard oil or robe will ever be! Many of these shops have online stores so even if you’re not travelling there directly, you can still buy something really special for Christmas.

Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy | Florence, Italy

Stepping into the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is about as close to going back in time as you’ll get. The old shop in Florence prides itself on being the world’s oldest pharmacy, which opened in 1221! Back then, there was a small Dominican Order who lived in the connecting Church of Santa Maria Novella. Like many orders of monks, they had their own herb gardens where they grew a variety of medicinal plants. Using these plans, the monks created herbal concoctions and started selling them to the public. Their treatments actually worked for minor, everyday nuisances like stomach pains and headaches. Even today, many people still use herbal treatments to help with their body ailments. But also created from these herbs and fresh flowers were sensational (literally) perfumes.

The Perfumerie

In 1612 an official retail operation was opened where they began selling items aside from medicine. Everything from perfume to potpourri and other toiletries could be created from their ancient garden. Today, you can still purchase the very same perfumes as medieval Florentines wore back in 1621! The Acqua della Regina scent uses the same recipe the Dominican monks made in 1533 for Caterina de Medici. Caterina de Medici commissioned the perfume when she married Enrico di Valois and moved to France. The fresh citrus bouquet helped remind her of home when she was far away. And as we all know, smell is perhaps the best wall to recall a memory.

Angeli di Firenze is a more recent fragrance inspired by the Florentine people. The “Angels of Florence” were a group of young people who came to the aid of the entire city after a devastating flood in 1966. The banks of the Arno river broke, flooding the city. But the flooding was not just water, but thick destructive mud. Some areas were entrenched up to 22 feet deep. Museums, churches and other historic sites were on the brink of losing precious relics, but these young people worked 24 hours a day to ensure they saved all that needed to be rescued. The fragrance was created on the 40th anniversary of the flood and contains a bouquet of sweet, fruity notes. A polar opposite to those muddy smells the workers must have experienced. I wear this perfume anytime I want to feel like a hero!

Livraria Bertrand | Lisbon, Portugal

Inside the blue Azulejo tiled building in the centre of Lisbon, hides the oldest bookstore in the world! Opened in 1732, in the shopping district of Chiado, Livraria Bertrand welcomed people into their store to browse their incredible selection of books. Sadly, their original store was destroyed in 1755 during a devastating earthquake. They had to move out temporarily but were able to move back into their original location in 1773. It only took them 20 years to restore the store back to its former glory!

For over a hundred years, this place has been a favourite hangout of Portuguese writers. Walking inside, you feel like you’re entering an ancient cave. Look up to admire the ancient brick vaults and arched ceilings. Although most of the books they carry here are in Portuguese, they also have a small English section with popular titles. If you buy a book at the store, they will give you a sticker to place inside the book to show that you purchased it at the oldest bookstore in the world.

Even if you don’t want to buy a book, there is a cute little cafe at the back of the shop where you can sit inside and enjoy looking at all the pretty titles stacked on tall wooden shelves. Bookstores and libraries are some of the most peaceful places in the world and are the best place to come for a bit of downtime amid busy travel days.

Pfunds Molkerei | Dresden, Germany

I’ve been singing the praises of Dresden ever since my first visit! It was such a surprising town and the discovery of this place was just one of the many joyful stops we made along the way. Pfunds Molkieri, covered floor to ceiling in the most incredible tiles and Meissen porcelain, is the oldest dairy shop in East Germany. It was built back in 1879 and was the first place where Germans could buy high-quality, concentrated milk. Although the dairy was mostly destroyed in WWII, the family made sure to rebuild in the exact same fashion as the original. Now, visitors can come to see and taste the extraordinary delicacies inside Pfunds Molkieri. 

Guests can try different kinds of milk and cheeses from farms across Germany. Bringing home cheese as a gift for a loved one might prove pretty difficult. Not only does it requires refrigeration but most international countries will not allow you to bring in dairy products through customs. Luckily, Pfunds Molkieri also carries a wonderful selection of milk soaps made from that same famous herd of German cows. Milk soaps are gentle on the skin, a natural exfoliant, help prevent acne and are rich in nutrients! A wonderful stocking stuffer for your Christmas morning.

Maiasmokk | Tallinn, Estonia

Located in the historic quarter of Tallinn, Maiasmokk (which means ‘Sweet tooth‘) is the oldest café in Estonia. The regal cafe has been in operation since 1864. Inside, the interior feels so sumptuous. Like having a coffee in Versaille! The intricate ornate mirrored ceiling reflects the gorgeous old tiled floors, and rich wooden furnishings. The cafe is a true slice of history as it has remained unchanged for almost a century.

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While Maiasmokk serves all the coffees and teas you’d expect, its most popular item is marzipan. The cafe even features a museum dedicated to the history of marzipan. In the 19th century, this was where the Russian Imperial family came to get their marzipan. The almond-based sugary treat lasts forever, making it a great gift to bring home!

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Tsuen Tea | Uji, Japan

When you think of Japan, one of the first things that you might think of is a cup of green tea. And in Uji, Japan (just outside Kyoto), you can visit the world’s oldest tea shop, Tsuen Tea. Tsuen Tea opened here in 1160, although the building which you can visit today is a later construction from 1672.

The Tsuen family were descendants of a great samurai who was the guardian of the ancient Uji Bridge. The family lived adjacent to the bridge and opened a small tea shop next door where they would greet travellers. And serve them tea. Inside the Edo period shop, you can still see ceramic tea jars that are several hundred years old sitting along the shelves. Be sure to pay your respects to the old Tsuen samurai, whose wooden statues still stands proudly inside on display.

Legatoria Piazzesi | Venice, Italy

Tucked away in on the Campiello Feltrina San Marco is Venice‘s oldest paper shop; Legatoria Piazzesi. This old stationary shop has been making paper-based wonders since 1851. It is still in operation today and offers onsite book-binding services as well as hand-printed sheets of ornamented paper. The ornate handmade papers are so beautiful they could simply be placed in a frame as they look like a work of art. But even better, they can be used by intrepid journalists and scrapbookers.

The owners are pretty strict, and this is a place where you should only enter if you intend to buy something. For those who just prefer to browse, stick to peeking in the windows. They always have lovely displays of their bookbinding, and you can usually poke your head inside the door to at least check out the stock of papers overflowing from all the shelves. This isn’t done out of malice. Handmade paper is super delicate, and now that the shop is somewhat of a tourist destination, they don’t want any overcrowding. The store is tiny and their products can easily be damaged.

Il Marmoraro | Rome, Italy

All along Via Margutta you might spot unique stone signs to mark the various restaurants and shops along the street. These are all created inside Il Marmoraro. The owners have been here making custom-made signs for over 60 years! But the tradition of these stone signs dates back hundreds of years. In ancient Rome, legislative acts were written on bronze tablets and then displayed on Capitol Hill. These old tablets had a very distinct ancient roman style script. This became the defacto “font” used in Rome. It went to be inscribed on stone columns, gravestones and even street sights. And today, Il Marmoraro keeps up the tradition, still making signs using that ancient hand-carved typography.

The owner doesn’t speak much English but happily greets everyone who comes into the shop with a smile. For only €15, he will make you a custom sign in the same style as the ancient ones. You can have pretty much anything written upon as long as it’s not too many characters. If you arrive early, your personalized stone tablet will be ready for you before the end of day!

Caza das Vellas Loreto | Lisbon, Portugal

Happening upon the Caza das Vellas Loreto while in Lisbon was one of the highlights of my trip. My eyes were drawn to the curiously shaped vibrant candles in the window and I poked my head inside. The tiny shop feels like stepping into an old wardrobe. The entire place is only three meters wide! But stuffed within the glass cabinets lining the walls are colourful stacks of wax candles. Above the cashier at the back of the shop is a large golden set of numbers with the date 1789 written upon it. That is the date when the shop first opened. And they’ve been doing things almost the very same way ever since.

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In addition to the multitude of tapered candles, they also have seasonal designs to delight their customers. Their Christmas collection is a personal favourite and a wonderful way to add some unique flair to your dining table. And since the candles only cost a few euros, apiece it’s a great gift to buy for your friends and family.

À la Mère de Famille | Paris, France

The world’s oldest chocolate shop stands on the cusp of the famous Montmartre neighbourhood in Paris. A la Mère de Famille opened in 1761 by Pierre-Jean Bernard. The gold lettering outside the shop shines in the sunlight and beckons visitors from down the road. The stunning typography, against that beautiful bright green paint, has stood the test of time and still looks like a gem in the centre of the neighbourhood.

Today there are 12 other branches of the chocolate store across the city, but this is the only one you should seek! It is by far the most beautiful, with its antique shelves still stacked with vintage jars and lovely old brass fittings that have barely changed in 260 years. One of the best times to visit the shop is during the holidays when the chocolatiers develop unique sweet creations to delight and devour.

The Oldest Sweet Shop | Pateley Bridge, England

There are some places whose name says it all, and the Original Old Sweet Shop in Pateley Bridge, England, is one of those places. They are the official World Guinness record holder for the oldest continuously trading sweet shop, opened in 1827. Glass jars line the shelves, containing brightly coloured sweets with antique labels.

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In addition to holding this record, they lean into the concept of selling retro sweets that bring a wave of nostalgia for many older visitors or for the younger generations are a chance to sample a piece of history. Many of these sweets use the original recipes and are even created using old copper pans.

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Dulceria de Celaya | Mexico City, Mexico

Dulcería de Celaya is a tiny, old shop selling traditional Mexican candies and sweets. It opened in Mexico City in 1874. Walking into the shop, nothing has changed in over 100 years. When the family-run shop opened, the candy was made in a small, improvised factory using wooden shovels, copper saucepans and a minature oven. They could only produce so much daily, often only one candy tray. But the sweets were so popular that they would sell out daily. As the demand rose, they expanded their production to meet the city’s needs.

Even today, they produce candy in the same way it was made in the beginning, out of that tiny kitchen. The smell of fresh pineapples, strawberries, guavas, and coconut fills the air when you walk in the doors. It’s intoxicating. The candy is very well-priced, so even if you don’t recognize anything, just let the smells guide you and try whatever your eye is drawn to.

The post The Best 11 Historical Shops from All Over the World first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

The Google Art and Culture site provides virtual exhibitions that they call “stories”. These “stories” are curated collections, sometimes from various museums, which are collected to tell captivating narratives. I have an entire post on some of the world’s best online museums and art galleries but, if you’re looking for something which only requires a minimal amount of time, then these exhibits are for you! Each one takes only about 10 minutes to explore but will leave you feeling artistically refreshed.

Table Of Contents

1. The Goddess Lakshmi in Popular Culture
2. Stanisław Mateusz Ignacy Wyspiański 
3. Elsa Schiaparelli Collection at the V&A
4. The Life and Art of Frida Kahlo
5. The Star Trail at the National Gallery
6. Johannes Vermeer's 'The Procuress' 
7. Heaven, Hell, and Dying Well
8. Table at Versaille
9. İstanbul: The City of Dreams
10. Question of Identity
11. Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

The Goddess Lakshmi in Popular Culture

The Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, has been etched into visual arts since time immemorial. But her modern portrayal in the 20th century is a unique study well worth looking into! Together with The Ganesh Shivaswamy Foundation, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the British Museum, this exhibition guides you through pieces of ephemera that contain images of the Goddess. The exhibition teachers you about the meaning behind these different representations as well as visual elements paired with Lakshmi.

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Stanisław Mateusz Ignacy Wyspiański 

The “fourth Polish Bard” Stanisław Mateusz Ignacy Wyspiański was one of the most multitalented artists to ever grace this earth. Wyspiański, born in Kraków, Poland, was a playwright, painter and poet, and an interior and furniture designer. His paintings were fiercely intimate, and he took great pride in continuing ancestral folk traditions. Many people outside of Poland have never heard of him despite his many contributions to arts and culture. One of the exhibitions, which are well worth your time to check out, takes you through the artist’s life. It features both photographs from his life, maps of his homes and pastel sketches and paintings. These images collected here are ones of the loved ones in his life.

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After getting this primer on his life, you can study the exhibition featuring drawings from his travels. From 1890–1895 Wyspiański travelled all over Europe and took his pastels with him. His fluid and gestural images feel like they were made in a rush of excitement upon seeing these new destinations. During his stay in Paris, where he went to study and improve his art, he missed his home of Kraków greatly. But when he returned home, he found himself missing Paris. Forever torn between the comfort of home and the thrilling excitement of the artistic community in those bustling big cities. His art seems to depict this eternal longing.

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Elsa Schiaparelli Collection at the V&A

The Victoria and Albert Museum (also known as the V&A) is the world’s leading museum of art and design. Founded in 1852, the V&A promotes innovation and communicates the importance of good design. As a graphic designer, I think these kinds of museums are so important! While the collection contains over 2.27 million objects, the most iconic part is their costume collection. The V&A’s costume collection is the most comprehensive in Britain, containing over 14,000 outfits. This also includes accessories and shoes, dating from 1600 to the present. One of the online exhibits will take you on a journey through time using items from their fashion and clothing collection. These items range from high-end couture to inspired ready-to-wear to innovative street style.

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One of my favourite parts of their collection is their assortment of Elsa Schiaparelli pieces. Elsa Schiaparelli was a genius of the 20th century. She broke the mould of traditional tailoring and combined fashion and surrealism in the most inventive ways. She used embroidery, embellishment and unusual materials to transform her garments into unique fashion statements. The online gallery will lead you through some of her most inventive pieces that you can study in great detail. Learning all about the influences and references used throughout.

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The Life and Art of Frida Kahlo

Located in Xochimilco, the Museo Dolores Olmedo is situated in an old stone house dating back to the 16th century. Inside it contains the world’s largest collections of works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. The online exhibition tells the story of the life and art of Frida Khalo through her personal effects, photographs and live street views of where she lived. And of course, using a myriad of her paintings and sketches.

The Star Trail at the National Gallery

The National Gallery, located in Central London, was founded in 1824. The museum houses over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. Their collection contains such masterpieces as van Eyck‘s ‘Arnolfini Portrait,‘ Velázquez‘s ‘Rokeby Venus,‘ Turner‘s ‘Fighting Temeraire‘ and Van Gogh‘s ‘Sunflowers.’ One of the more interesting curated collections featured on the Google Arts and Culture website is all about the ‘Star Trail‘. In a variety of the paintings in the gallery, you can see stars painted in the skies. While some are more obvious and less metaphorical, others are hidden in less prominent places and have some deep, sometimes philosophical meanings. The exhibition guides you through this “star trail” and is an interesting way to view different pieces from their collection.

Johannes Vermeer’s ‘The Procuress’ 

The Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister or Old Masters Picture Gallery in Dresden, Germany, is home to the old empire’s most treasured paintings. The gallery is relatively small compared to some of the world’s most prolific museums. But it is honestly one of my favourites. There are about 750 paintings, lovingly curated, inside a stunningly decorated interior. The images range from the 15th to the 18th centuries. One of their most important pieces from the collection is the ‘The Procuress’ by Johannes Vermeer painted in 1656.

Having a Vermeer in your gallery is a real draw since the old master only is known to have painted 34 paintings in his lifetime. ‘The Procuress‘ is considered a very interesting and progressive painting of his. It represents sex work in a positive light. The painful woman portrayed in the photo looks contented and in control of her circumstances. But there are so many other aspects and hidden meanings to the painting that this virtual exhibit lends insight into.

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Heaven, Hell, and Dying Well

The J. Paul Getty Museum, located in Los Angeles, California, is one of the most surprising places to find some very old European artworks. The collection features European paintings, drawings, sculpture, decorative arts, and European, Asian, and American photographs dating from the eighth through the twenty-first century! But most importantly, it features a stunning collection of illuminated manuscripts. One of the most interesting online exhibitions from their collection is ‘Heaven, Hell, and Dying Well: Images of Death in the Middle Ages.’ An illuminated manuscript is a book in which the text is supplemented with such decoration as initials, borders, and miniature illustrations. Many of these little illustrations are innovative visions of heaven and hell as depicted by early Christian writings. And studying these representations of heaven, hell and the process of dying gives us a glimspe into the medieval way of life.

Table at Versaille

The Palace of Versaille has a beautiful online collection of some of their beautiful paintings that dot the castle walls. In addition to digitizing the paintings, they also have a digital collection of the palace’s antique plates and tableware used to serve the elaborate banquets. These paintings of the King’s table and old paper menus dating back to 1744, give us a peek into what Royal meals at Versaille would have looked like. But food back then wasn’t just for filling your belly; dining was considered a way to show off your greatness, wealth and power. And this exhibition takes you through those hidden meanings. It also provides a mirror into the life of the Kings and Queens of Versaille.

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İstanbul: The City of Dreams

Since we can’t be travelling the world ourselves, one of the ways we can travel virtually is through pictorial representations of faraway lands. But instead of looking at pictures, I prefer to look at art. The Pera Museum, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is an art museum that focuses on Orientalism in 19th-century art. Their collection of ‘Views of İstanbul and Daily Life in the Ottoman‘ will take you on a journey to lavishly decorated apartments and interiors. You’ll study earth-shatteringly beautiful fashions, fascinating customs and even more fantastical feasts!

Question of Identity

The Israel Museum, located in Jerusalem, contains the world’s best collections of art and Holy Land archaeology. Inside you’ll find works dating from prehistory to the present day relating to Jewish art and life. Their current online exhibitions called ‘Questions of Identity‘ is from their costume collection. The virtual art gallery examines how external appearances represent the “constant tension between segregation and integration that has always characterized Jewish existence in the Diaspora.”

Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

In London, England, the Museum of Brands has been amassing objects and packaging, which help tell the story of how brands shaped our world. As a graphic designer, I am someone who adores studying different packaging when I am travelling. And I love parts of museums where you can observe old ephemeral objects. It’s so interesting to me to see the fantastic packaging techniques employed hundreds of years ago. The Museum of Brand’s online exhibition, ‘Best Thing Since Sliced Bread: Packaging Innovation‘ studies the evolution of packaging design. It’s incredible to see how much some packaging has changed over the years and some hasn’t changed at all!

Hopefully, these fun exhibitions from all over the world give you a brief, fantastical respite from the dull world around you. Let me know if you’ve loved any other online exhibitions, and share with me the ways you are spending your time in lockdown!

Happy (Virtual) Travels, Adventurers

The post 11 of the Most Interesting Virtual Exhibitions You Can Explore Online first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Watching this video has inspired me to start planning on visiting the market for myself in 2020. This year I’m heading back to Europe at Christmas time to see even more amazing decorations, Christmas lights and amazing marketplace.

The post Dresden Walking Tour Christmas Market first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

While some people find this to be a bit like a living museum, that’s exactly what I liked. I always try to imagine what these ancient cities would have felt like in their day but here in Dresden you actually get a taste of what that might have been like – but with wifi. The city is both bursting with gorgeous architecture but also has its fair share of cute cafes, bars and restaurants ideal for instagrammers. Here are some of my favourite locations that photo savvy travellers must visit on their next trip to Dresden! There is a google map at the bottom of this post you can use to find each and every location mentioned on the list.

Table Of Contents

1. Old Masters Gallery
2. Coselpalais
3. Brühl’s Terrace
4. Münzgasse 
5. Zwinger
6. The Royal Palace
7. Procession of Princes
8. Royal Stables
9. Neumarkt
10. Pfunds Molkieri
11. Neustadt Street Art
12. Kunsthof Passage
13. Cinema Thalia
14. Yenidze
15. Stammhaus

Old Masters Gallery

The Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (or Old Masters Gallery) is honestly the best art gallery I ever had the pleasure of visiting. It doesn’t feel too big nor too small. It’s like a grand old home that someone has decorated with exquisite pieces of arts — a stellar collection that’s lovingly curated. While it may seem much smaller than the Louvre or the Prado, there are over 700 paintings on display, all ranging from the 15th to 18th century. Treasures from major Italian Renaissance artists, Dutch and Flemish masters and other works by German, French and Spanish painters combine to form this hidden gem in Dresden. Standing amongst these iconic images feels like standing inside a great storybook and makes for such an incredible photo.

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Coselpalais

Food and architecture fans will find common ground here at the Coselpalais. The old palace has been reconstructed in late Baroque style and now serves as a charming little cafe and restaurant in the old town. The original building was built in 1550 and looks like a buttercream yellow castle out of Beauty and the Beast. Grab a latte, and a fanciful teacake served on the iconic Meissen porcelain and enjoy the views all around you on the patio under the blue skies. If you’re looking to try a traditional German dessert, order up to the apple cake with streusel!

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Brühl’s Terrace

Brühl’s Terrace is known as the Balcony of Europe. It is an enormous platform that stretches along the shores of the Elbe River. Here you’ll see both tourists and locals alike, strolling down the promenade enjoying the fantastic views. The terrace was once built as a fort to protect the city from invaders, but in the 19th century, it was transformed into this lovely pedestrian walkway. Along this riverside path, you’ll see framed the iconic skyline of the city and gorgeous flowerbeds colouring the grey concrete. During the holidays this is a great place to come for pop-up markets, especially exciting during Christmas time!

Münzgasse 

Münzgasse is a street just across from the Elbe River which feels almost too curated to be real. The two blocks of apartments flanking the road frame the stunning Frauenkirche perfectly. Walking down the street feels like stepping into a painting. On either side of the pedestrian street are various touristy restaurants which are not worth your money but do provide the the backdrop for this stunning scene.

Zwinger

The Zwinger is to this day one of the most incredible baroque buildings in Germany. It was built for Augustus II the Strong, who had been inspired by King Louis XIV. He had returned from a visit to his new court of Versaille and was eager to create a similar elaborate palace for himself. But this was would be located in his hometown of Dresden.

The Zwinger was built in the late baroque style called ‘Rococo’. The Rococo style embraced curves and elaborate ornaments but amped-up the drama. Rococo added a sense of play to the designs. Rococo designers felt that architecture should have a sense of motion, and they used dramatic curves, which made the viewer feel as though the building was alive. The Rococo style loved to emphasize piety. Plants and vines are featured prominently, carved into so many parts of the Zwinger. Construction began in 1710 and it took over 18 years to be completed. Anywhere you look here there are gorgeous shots to be found. Since the Zwinger is so large it’s easy to find more private spaces, ideal for framing that perfect shot.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of the oldest buildings in Dresden, originally built around 1200. Additional wings were constructed over the years, creating an almost patchwork quilt of architecture styles from Renaissance to Baroque and Romanesque. These days, the royal family no longer resides inside. Instead, the building contains a museum complex where you can explore the treasury, the armory and even see collections of prints and drawings as well as old photographs of Dresden before the bombing. The exterior of the Palace is where the real visual treat lies. It’s fascinating to see this Palace so integrated with the rest of the city, instead of walled off like so many other royal residences around Europe.

Procession of Princes

Along Schloßstraße, you’ll find one of the greatest remnants of old Dresden, the Procession of Princes. This 101-meter long porcelain portrait depicts the entire history of Dresden through the men who built, controlled, governed and sparked new thoughts and ideas within it. It features Dukes, Electors, Kings and other leading figures from the arts and sciences. This is the world’s largest porcelain artwork. The mural was first installed in 1871 and took more than five years to complete. Shockingly enough this mural withstood the great Dresden bombing of WWII. It suffered minimal damage and was a beacon of hope to the people of Dresden after the war. Today its still one of the most striking images you can find in the city.

Royal Stables

Just down from the Procession of Princes is the Stallhof und Langer Gang or Royal Stables. These stables were used as the location for horse tournaments since the 15th century. Some of the most exciting jousting activities took place here and where the who’s who of Germany elite came to be entertained. Today, the stalls are the site of the Dresden Christmas Market. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the holiday season, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most magical sights in the world. There really is nothing like a Christmas market in Europe when the snow is falling and catches the twinkling fairy lights as it touches the ground. But throughout the rest of the year the architectural curves and the effect of the light in the arcade is out of this world!

Neumarkt

The Neumarkt is the cultural centre of the Dresden’s historic district. The original Neumarkt was designed in the German Baroque style. Baroque designers loved pastel colours, not just on their frescos; but everywhere they could put them. Today it feels like walking through a miniature buttercream village. Standing in the center of the square is the iconic Frauenkirche, which was completely destroyed during a bombing run in WWII. But after the bombs had fell, hundreds of volunteer collected the burn rumble from the original church and stored it away, waiting for the day it would be rebuilt. And it was, and used many piece of that original structure which so many people help preserve for future generations.

Pfunds Molkieri

Pfunds Molkieri, covered floor to ceiling in the most incredible tiles and Meissen porcelain, is the oldest dairy shop in East Germany. Built in 1879 this shop was the first place where German’s could buy high-quality, concentrated milk. Although the dairy was mostly destroyed in WWII, the family made sure to rebuild in the exact same fashion as the original. Now, visitors can come to see and taste the extraordinary place which is Pfunds Molkieri. Guests can try different kinds of milk from farms across Germany as well as cheese, wines and more!

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Neustadt Street Art

While most of the historical parts of Dresden were destroyed in WWII, the “new” town built across the river was spared from the destruction as it proved no real military threat to the attackers. This meant that despite being called “new town” the structures here are actually older than the reconstructions found in the “old town”. Neustadt or “new town” remains a bohemian stronghold in Dresden and even today is where you can find some of the coolest shops, bars and exciting nightlife. But if those things aren’t for you, just wandering the streets is a feast for the eyes. Neustadt has become a popular neighbourhood for local street artists who bring otherwise boring walls to life with colours, textures and even sculptural details. You can find some of the most lively street art found anywhere in Dresden right here.

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Kunsthof Passage

Inside the walls of Neustadt, you’ll find the famous Kunsthof Passage. These dreamlike courtyards come from the visionary mind of various Dresden artists who turned these empty spaces into an art experiment. There are four different themed courtyards to visit; Elements, Animals, Light, and Metamorphoses. Each one features strange and intriguing details which draw in your eye and ask your to question what you’re looking at. In the Courtyard of the Elements, you’ll find a piece inspired by the Rube Goldberg Machine which turns rainfall in a symphonic orchestra! Even without rain it’s a gorgeous work of art to admire.

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Cinema Thalia

Inside the inner walls of the Neustadt, you’ll find one of the oldest cinemas still standing in Germany. Built in 1889, Cinema Thalia once used to host people from all over Dresden, and at one time the cinema would extend into what is now the beer garden to hold over 700 people! After being destroyed in 1945, it lay dormant, untouched by the modern era until it was plucked from obscurity in 2004 and returned to live as a hipster mecca. The large theatre was transformed into a cafe and cinema where, and until 2008, people were still allowed to smoke, hence the name on the front “Cinema. Coffee and Cigarettes”. Today it’s still a gorgeous icon east German, retro design.

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Yenidze

To experience one of the most unique beer gardens in the city and catch a stunning view across Dresden, head over to Yenidze. From afar you might think that this building is an Ottoman mosque, but originally it was actually a tobacco factory. Built in 1907 by Hugo Zietz, the Yenidze tobacco company, was designed in “oriental” style to recall the “exotic origins of tobacco”. The chimney used to process smoke from the factory was incorporated into the architecture as a fake minaret. Today, the building is used as an office but the top floor is home to an incredible restaurant with rooftop views across the city and over to the mountains in the distance.

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Stammhaus

The most iconic picture from Germany must be of a beer hall, and the Stammhaus in the centre of Dresden is one of the best! This brewery dates all the way back to 1858! Inside the new three-story restaurant, beer gardens and bar are antiques collected by the brewing family from over the years. The food is as traditional as you can get and it all washes down deliciously with a glass of Feldschlößchen Pilsner or Zwickelbier. Sitting in the restaurant, you feel like you’re dining inside a piece of Dresden’s history! My favourite visual of the restaurant is the giant copper brewing lid which serves as a roof atop the bar!

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Dresden is such a wonderful place to explore and get away from the crowds which you’ll find in more popular cities across Germany like Berlin and Munich. It’s still that untapped gem which only those in the know are want to find. If you’re interested in explore more of Dresden, check out my guided walking tour which will take your across old town to discover the history and people who helped created this amazing city. Let me know if you’ve visited Dresden before and what your favourite photo spot was on your last trip to Florence of the North.

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post The Most Instagrammable Places in Dresden, Germany first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

The reconstructions mean that Dresden feels both old and new simultaneously. And it truly is a unique experience for the viewer. This walking tour of Dresden will lead you around some of the city’s most important landmarks in the Historic Old Town. You will learn as you go all about the distinctive architectural styles of the city. And absorb all the wonders Dresden has to offer. This tour doesn’t cover the interiors of the buildings. But if you want to extend your walking tour, feel free to explore the insides. This will add more time, but since the walking tour will take only a day, it is easy to do it all in 48 hours.

Table Of Contents

1. Map of Walking Tour
2. Brühl's Terrace
3. Dresden School of Fine Arts
4. Albertinum
5. Sekundogenitur
6. Schloßplatz
7. The Katholische Hofkirche
8. Sächsische Ständehaus
9. The Georgentor
10. Augustus Bridge
11. Theaterplatz
12. Semper Opera
13. Cafe Schinkelwache
14. Zwinger
15. Dresden Castle
16. Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski
17. Procession of Princes
18. Stallhof und Langer Gang
19. Neumarkt
20. Dresden Frauenkirche

Map of Walking Tour

Brühl’s Terrace

You’ll start the tour in Brühl’s Terrace, specifically along the riverside gardens. A perfect time to begin the walk is early in the morning. This way, you can get your feet wet. And your bearings about you before you decide where you might want to spend a little bit more time in the afternoon. We’ll end the tour in a great area to get a bite to eat but if you see somewhere along the way, let your senses guide you.

Brühl’s Terrace was known as the Balcony of Europe. It is an enormous platform stretching along the Elbe River’s shores. Here you’ll see tourists and locals strolling down the promenade and enjoying the fantastic views. The terrace was built as a fort to protect the city from invaders. But in the 19th century, it was transformed into this lovely pedestrian walkway.

Elbe River

From the edge of the garden, you can look out over the Elbe River and across to what is now called Neue Town. The King of Saxony, Augustus II, gave this plot of land to his cabinet master, the Earl of Brühl. Brühl employed the famous landscape architect Johann Christoph Knöffel to create a public garden for the people to go alongside the magnificent ramparts of the terrace. 

Dresden School of Fine Arts

The building with then golden-winged creatures along the top and a giant glass dome, known as the Lemon Squeezer, is the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts. Built in 1764, this Art Academy was a workplace and a training ground for influential European artists. On the side of the building facing the Elbe, the names of Pheidias, Iktinos, Praxiteles, Polykleitos, Lysippos, Erwin von Steinbach, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Dürer are inscribed. On the other side, the motto “DEM VATERLAND ZU ZIER UND EHR” or “For the Honour and Adornment of the Fatherland .”Instead of angels, it is interesting to notice that the golden figures on the roof are Phemes, creatures from Greek mythology. These creatures are the physical personifications of fame. What a perfect reference for a place which houses artists.

Albertinum

The sandstone-clad Renaissance Revival building along the terrace is the Albertinum. This building houses Dresden’s modern art masterpieces. The Albertinum was once the old city armoury, built in 1559 inside the old fortifications. After the fort had been destroyed to make room for a public terrace, the armoury had to be converted. In 1884 it was renovated to become a new city museum. Carl Adolf Canzler built the museum in the Renaissance Revival style featuring a balanced, symmetrical facade, a small pitched roof, ornated columns and decorative arches above doors. The works of art on display inside blend both paintings and sculptures. Together they cover around 200 years of modern art. If you’re a fan of Rodin, this is a great place to see some of his best works in a relatively relaxed setting.

Sekundogenitur

If you’re feeling like something to drink, you have to stop and grab a coffee at the cafe Vis a vis which belongs to the Hotel Hilton. This elegant, neo-baroque building, topped with a bright turquoise copper roof, was once the Secundogenitur, the German House of Parliament. It was originally built in 1897 and also used as the State Library. At one time, this building contained more than 60,000 books and manuscripts. The Hilton owns the building and is an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay somewhere historic with one of the best views in Dresden. 

Schloßplatz

The Schloßplatz, or Palace Square, is the main intersection in the old town district. It is named the Palace Square since the former royal residence sits right on the edge of the plaza. A balcony down from the residence looks out over the square below so that the royals can take a peek at the people going about their daily lives. Like most other parts of the old city, the original 15th-century architecture was destroyed during WWII bombings. But thanks to the efforts of many, the buildings have been laboriously restored to their original historical designs.

The Katholische Hofkirche

The Katholische Hofkirche, or Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, was the center of Catholicism in Dresden in the early 17th century. The church was commissioned by Augustus III after his father had previously built a Protestant church on the other side of town. Augustus III wanted a place for his Catholic subjects. This church now houses the crypts of some of the most powerful people from Saxon history.

The original church was built in 1738 and completed in 1755. The church’s inside and outside have been restored since the bombing. You can still make out parts of the old church as the colour of the original sandstone has turned black due to the natural oxidization of the stone. The shape of the church is a giant oval fronted with an intricate facade complete with a bell tower and copper onion domes. Surrounding the church are dozens of balustrades from which seventy-eight statues of historical and biblical figures look out over the city.

Sächsische Ständehaus

The Saxon Ständehaus is the former Parliament building. It is now the headquarters of the High Regional Court of Dresden and the State Office for Monument Preservation of Saxony. 

The Georgentor

The Georgentor or Georgenbau is my favourite building on the square. It is the first building built in Renaissance and neo-renaissance style in Dresden. The Georgentor was originally constructed to serve as an entrance and exit for people coming to and from the city, so the design had to be of the utmost elegance and grace. As well as show off the wealth and status of this great city.

The facade of the building is covered in the religious subject matter. The figures of life and death guard the entrance and above them the motto “Per invidia Diaboli Mors Intravit In Orbs” (through the devil’s envy death entered into the world) is etched into the stone.

Augustus Bridge

The Augustus Bridge opposite the square leads in and out of the Neue Town and crosses the Elbe. The bridge is the oldest in the city, built between 1907 and 1910. There has always been a bridge erected in this position since the 12th century., but time and innovations have caused different bridges to be built and subsequently torn down over time. This structure is built in sandstone with nine arches and wide openings for river traffic.

Across the square, there are horse-drawn carriage rides on offer. And as much as these are a cheesy way of getting about town, if you have the money to spend, the almost museum-like historical recreations of Dresden’s Old Town are the best complement for a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Theaterplatz

Walking down the pathway to the left of the Catholic Church, you will exit out into the Theaterplatz or Theatre Square. In the centre, looming high above you, is the equestrian statue of Saxon King Johann, built in 1889 by Johannes Schilling. King John ruled over Saxony from 1854 – 1873. In 1871 he fought alongside Germany to take the Prussian empire in a long-fought but successful battle. The King loved literature and the arts and as such, his statue being housed beside the Opera house seems fitting.

Semper Opera

The largest building and most important here is the Semper Opera house. The Saxon State Opera is home to a large concert hall, the State Orchestra and the Semperoper Ballet. The Semper Opera House, once known as the Hoftheater, was first built in 1841, but that is not the building you see today. Created by architect Gottfried Semper, the building is now named, in an early Renaissance style, complete with baroque and Corinthian pillars. This was once regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in European history. But in 1869, a devastating fire broke out, turning the Opera House into rubble. The Opera house has become a cultural centre for the city, and its people rebuilt it immediately.

Manfred Semper

The original architect’s son, Manfred Semper, took over building the new Opera house using the plans from his father and some new Neo-Renaissance styles to update it for the modern era. This building was completed in 1878 but would not stand for long. In 1945, the bombing of Dresden destroyed most of the Opera house, and it had to be, once again, rebuilt.

Today’s building is almost an exact replica of the one that Semper’s son built in 1878 but with the addition of modern machinery. The Semperoper reopened with the opera performed just before the building’s destruction in 1945, Carl Maria von Weber‘s Der Freischütz. The opera house has been home to some of the biggest names in the business, including Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. 

Cafe Schinkelwache

If it’s time to grab something to eat, stop into Cafe Schinkelwache. The Café Schinkelwache is a classic coffee house known for its traditional desserts. The restaurant’s walls are covered with antiques and vintage ephemera. They make you feel like this was the same place people would have visited after the opera hundreds of years ago. 

Zwinger

Pass through the large arched gates opposite the Semper Operainto The Zwinger. The Zwinger is one of those historic buildings so seamlessly incorporated into the city’s fabric that it’s almost impossible to imagine the city without it. Yes, it is also a popular tourist destination, but the people who live and work in Dresden don’t treat it as a place just for visitors. For them, it’s a commuter pathway, a meeting spot for lunch, a place to sneak away with your date for a midnight kiss, and even a great place for a jog.

Germany’s Versaille

The Zwinger is to this day one of the most incredible baroque buildings in Germany. It was built for Augustus II the Strong. After returning from a grand tour through France and Italy in 1687, he explored King Louis XIV’s new court of Versailles. He was eager to create a similar elaborate palace for himself in his hometown of Dresden. The word ‘Zwinger’ comes from the medieval German term for a fortress wall which protects a city. Archaeologists discovered, that in the 12th century, the city’s fortification walls were once in this exact location.

The Zwinger was built in the late baroque style called ‘Rococo’ by designer Pöppelmann in 1710-1728. The Rococo style embraced curves and elaborate ornaments but amped up the drama. Rococo added a sense of play to the designs. Rococo designers felt that architecture should have a sense of motion and used dramatic curves, making the viewer feel as though the building was alive. The Rococo style loved to emphasize piety. Plants and vines are featured prominently, carved into many parts of the Zwinger.

Once inside the Zwinger, you can visit one of their three incredible galleries. The Old Masters Picture Gallery contains an exquisitely curated collection of some of the best European Old Masters. The Dresden Porcelain Collection is a collection of Asian and Meissen porcelain designs from the 16th-19th century. The Mathematical and Physical Instruments Gallery has some of the most interesting scientific instruments that helped astrologists from the 16th century discover the universe’s secrets.

Glockenspiel Pavilion

The Glockenspiel Pavilion southeast of the Zwinger is topped by a sculpture of Hercules. Hercules, holding the globe on his shoulders, is meant to reference Augustus 1st. The Glockenspiel building features a collection of porcelain bells made by the famous Meissen porcelain factory. The carillon of bells plays a melody every 15 minutes. The songs depend on the seasons and include Vivaldi, Mozart, and Bach pieces. Meissen was a town only about 25 km from Dresden. It created some of the finest quality porcelain outside of Asia. It was the first European porcelain factory when it opened in 1710. Exit through the Glockenspiel gates to continue on tour.

Dresden Castle

As you exit the Zwinger, come into the courtyard of the Dresden Castle. The Royal Palace is one of the oldest buildings in Dresden, originally built around 1200. Additional wings were built over the years, creating an almost patchwork quilt of architectural styles from Renaissance to Baroque and Romanesque. Augustus the Strong made some of the most elaborate and impressive designs on the building’s extensions.

Inside the Castle, the courtyard displays one of the best examples of Sgraffito (decoration made by scratching through a surface to reveal a lower layer of a contrasting colour) used all over the facade. These days, the royal family no longer resides inside. Instead, the building contains a museum complex with the New Green Vault, the Numismatic Cabinet, the Collection of Prints, Drawings and Photographs and the Dresden Armory with the Turkish Chamber.

Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski

Across the street from the Palace is the Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski. The building was originally designed in 1705 for Augustus the Strong‘s mistress, Countess Anna Constanze von Holm. It is still a shock to imagine that right beside the royal palace is such a display of affection for the King’s mistress. The creamy yellow facade, frilly white windows and bright terracotta roof look like a beautiful dress. The hotel was levelled to ashes after WWII and rebuilt at the price of 127.8 million euros. Today the hotel is THE best to stay in Dresden for celebrities, dignitaries and even the royal family.

Procession of Princes

Walk along Taschenberg and turn north up Schloßstraße. At the end of Schloßstraße, you’ll reach the Fürstenzug or the Procession of Princes. This 101-meter-long porcelain portrait depicts the entire history of Dresden through the men who built, controlled, governed and sparked new thoughts and ideas within it. It features Dukes, Electors, Kings and other leading figures from the arts and sciences. This is the world’s largest porcelain artwork. The mural was first installed in 1871 and took more than five years to complete. 

Shockingly enough, this mural withstood the great Dresden bombing of WWII. It suffered minimal damage and was a beacon of hope to the people of Dresden after the war.

Stallhof und Langer Gang

The Stallhof und Langer Gang or Royal Stables are just down from the Procession of Princes. These stables were used as the location for horse tournaments since the 15th century. Some of the most exciting jousting activities took place here, and where the who’s who of the German elite came to be entertained. Today, the stalls are the site of the Dresden Christmas Market.

Neumarkt

Continue walking east along Augustusstraße, until you reach a large square, the Neumarkt. The Neumarkt is the cultural centre of Dresden’s historical district. The original Neumarkt was designed in the German Baroque style. Baroque designs loved pastel colours, not just on their frescos, but everywhere they could put them. 

The Neumarkt is a very touristy place, but there are still some great, unique places to eat. Don’t be fooled by the touristy gimmicks, stick to something traditional. Something that’s been standing in the same spot, serving up food as it would hundreds of years before. Avoid the “Canadian Steakhouses” and Italian gelato shops.

Dresden Frauenkirche

For our final stop on tour, we are heading inside the Dresden Frauenkirche. We are going inside here, and one of the best aerial views of Dresden is from the top of the church. The Dresden Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, is one of Europe’s grandest buildings.

During WWII, the church was heavily bombed. On February 13th, 1945, the American and British forces dropped thousands of bombs on Dresden. The church had withstood bombings and attacks before, but never to this extent. After the war, people collected pieces of the destroyed church in the hopes that the former heart of the city would be rebuilt one day. In 1989, a 14-member group of enthusiasts headed by Ludwig Güttler, a noted Dresden musician, formed a Citizens’ Initiative to raise money for the restoration. In the end, rebuilding the church cost €180 million, most of which was raised by private citizens.

Memorial to the old Church

Outside the church’s front doors lies an original piece of the dome, blackened from the explosion as a memorial to the original church and those who died trying to protect it. To this day, you can stand outside the church and see the original pieces of stone used in the church’s restoration. The fire and weathering cover these stones with a darker patina. But in a few hundred years, the remaining pieces of sandstone will also become weathered and blend into the original stones. It was a sight to see as it is, making out the immensity of stones salvaged by everyday citizens.

Church Interior

The original Baroque Church was built between 1726 and 1743 by Dresden’s city architect, George Bähr. The church’s interior is bright and covered from head to toe in pastel colours. When restoring the church, artists used paintings and photographs of the original colours to restore it to its former brilliance. Bähr especially loved green and gold and accented the church with these trimmings. The windows are made of clear glass. Although this might look like an oversight or work in progress from the restoration, it is actually on purpose. The architect wanted the pure sunlight to filter through the windows, unheeded by stained glass, to illuminate the inside of the church.

View from the Tower

The winding staircase leads you to a tiny trapdoor which you climb through to suddenly come through to a viewing platform with a stunning view of the city. From here, you have a 360° view across the Elbe and the city of Dresden. On a clear day, you can see past the city and the countryside surrounding it.

You can see the newly restored square and all the little dots of people below. During the restoration and after the war, this square was where they stored thousands of rubble. Now that the construction is done, the square has opened back up to the public – and they have greatly enjoyed having it back. As well as their stunning church which anchors the centre of the city.

From here, we end our tour. Dresden is truly a city of magnificent resurgence. Exploring it on foot is the perfect way to get in touch with so many different aspects of the old, the new and the restored.

The post The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Wonderfully Historic Dresden, Germany first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. Do You Need to Buy Admission?
3. History of the Zwinger
4. Architecture of the Zwinger
5. Glockenspiel Pavilion
6. Nymphenbad
7. Museums inside the Zwinger

Access

The Zwinger Palace is located in the historic city center of Dresden, Germany. It is situated on Theaterplatz, near the Elbe River, and is surrounded by beautiful baroque gardens. You can access the Zwinger mostly by foot as Dresden is pretty small. But if you’re arriving from farther afield you can take the #8 Tram to the Theaterplatz stop. From there it’s only a one-minute walk to the gates of the Zwinger

Do You Need to Buy Admission?

To wander the grounds of the Zwinger and their gardens you don’t need to pay any admission as it is open to the public. But to view any of the galleries and museums located inside the buildings surrounding the grounds you’ll need to purchase a ticket.

History of the Zwinger

The Zwinger is, to this day, one of the most incredible baroque buildings in Germany. It was built for Augustus II the Strong. After returning from a grand tour through France and Italy in 1687, he explored King Louis XIV’s new court of Versailles and was eager to create a similar elaborate palace for himself in his hometown of Dresden.

The word ‘Zwinger‘ comes from the medieval German term for a fortress wall which protects a city. Archaeologists discovered that in the 12th century, the city’s fortification walls were once in this exact location. But since these fortifications were no longer needed, in the 16th century, Augustus had them torn down to make space for a new palace.

Augustus’ vision was six large pavilions connected by galleries which encircled a large courtyard. He called it a great festival space “whose ceiling is the sky.” The courtyard was made up of several gardens and an orangery. This would be the venue for any grande festivity held by the royal family. Some pavilions surrounding the courtyard were designed to house Augustus’ many royal collections of antiquities and art. 

The Zwinger was never meant to be a residence that was to come later, on the other side, closer to the Elbe. But Augustus died before he could oversee this construction, and that piece of land was left empty until the Semperoper House was built in 1841.

Architecture of the Zwinger

The Zwinger was built in the late baroque style called ‘Rococo’ by designer Pöppelmann in 1710-1728. The Zwinger was formally inaugurated in 1719 for the wedding of Prince Frederick August to Maria Josepha. The Rococo style embraced curves and elaborate ornaments but amped up the drama. Rococo added a sense of play to the designs. Rococo designers felt that architecture should have a sense of motion and used dramatic curves, making the viewer feel as though the building was alive. The Rococo style loved to emphasize piety. Plants and vines are featured prominently, carved into many parts of the Zwinger. 

Because the gardens were mainly for parties, it is no surprise that you’ll find statues or symbols of Bacchus everywhere you look. Bacchus is the Roman god of agriculture and wine. His followers are happily partying satyrs, which you’ll also find along the roofs and balconies of the Zwinger.

In addition to the bacchanalia, you’ll find richly decorative and whimsical figures, countless ornamental details pouring over every inch of the building and sculptures made by Balthasar Permoser and his assistant Paul Hermann.

The only place where the Zwinger breaks away from the Rococo aesthetic is its floor plan. The garden itself follows a geometric plan, and one side is a mirror image of the other. There is something very calming in symmetry, in particular against all the busy ornamentation that is going on around it.

Glockenspiel Pavilion

The Glockenspiel Pavilion southeast of the Zwinger is topped by a sculpture of Hercules. Hercules, holding the globe on his shoulders, is meant to reference Augustus 1st. The Glockenspiel building features a collection of porcelain bells made by the famous Meissen porcelain factory. The carillon of bells plays a melody every 15 minutes. The songs depend on the seasons and include Vivaldi, Mozart, and Bach pieces. Meissen was a town only about 25 km from Dresden and created some of the finest quality porcelain outside of Asia and was the first European porcelain factory when it opened in 1710.

During WWII, the buildings of the Zwinger were almost entirely eviscerated. The art from the collections had been previously removed before the bombings. But the rubble that was left meant a huge restoration job to open the Zwinger back up to the public as it once was.

Nymphenbad

The Nymphenbad can be found tucked away in the North West corner of the Zwinger. It is a small enclosed courtyard with a baroque fountain. Traditionally, in the Roman period, Nymphenbads were monuments consecrated to the nymphs and tritons/ They were a place to celebrate and relax. Back here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the central gardens and find a moment of peace. It is also here that you’ll locate the staircase leading to the 2nd-storey walkway surrounding the Zwinger.

Although August the Strong has been dead for many years, his presence can still be felt in these gardens. He wanted to create a space for his people to celebrate Dresden and all its glory. Many Kings rejected or looked down on the everyday people. But Augustus was a man of the people and seemed to want to invite them into his life.

Museums inside the Zwinger

Once inside the Zwinger, you can visit one of their three incredible galleries. The Old Masters Picture Gallery contains an exquisitely, curated collection some of the best European Old Masters. The Dresden Porcelain Collection is a collection of Asian and Meissen porcelain designs from the 16th-19th century. The Mathematical and Physical Instruments Gallery has some of the most interesting scientific instruments that helped astrologists from as early as the 16th century discover the secrets of the universe.

The Zwinger Palace in Dresden is a true gem, rich in history and architecture. From its beautiful baroque gardens to its impressive collections housed within, the Zwinger is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, history, and culture. I loved simply strolling through the grounds going to-and-from our day-to-day activities. I hope you find it to be equally as charming!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post Discover the Awe-Inspiring Architecture of the Zwinger Palace in Dresden first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Access & Admission
   • Accessibility
2. History
3. Entering the Gallery
4. The Sistine Madonna
   • The Cherubs
5. The Sleeping Venus
6. The Portrait of a Boy
7. The Tribute Money
8. The Sacrifice of Isaac
9. The Archangel Michael Vanquishing the Devil
10. The Dresden Triptych
    • St. Catherine
    • St. Michael
11. The Drunken Hercules
12. Memento Mori
13. Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window
14. The Procuress
15. Lucas Cranach, the Elder
    • Museum Cafe

Access & Admission

The Dresden Old Master’s Gallery is located in the heart of Dresden, Germany. It is situated in the historic center of the city, in the same building as the Royal Palace, which is now home to the state art collections of Saxony. The museum is easily accessible by public transportation, with several tram and bus lines stopping directly in front of the building. Visitors can also reach the museum on foot from the main train station, which is only a few minutes’ walk away.

The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Mondays. Tickets cost €14 for adults, €10.50 for students and seniors, and anyone under 17 is free. Buy tickets online in advance to ensure access to the museum on busy days.

Accessibility

The Dresden Old Master’s Gallery has barrier-free access. There is
step-free access via Theaterplatz and via the Zwingerhof. There is an elevator next to the museum entrance. Ask staff for any additional assistance.

History

In 1560, the Art Chambers of Saxony declared that paintings and sculptures were “lesser pieces of historical importance” and chose to favour revolutionary technology and scientific advancements. But when Augustus II the Strong came into power, the future looked bright for Germany’s art collections. Augustus II (and his son, the aptly named Augustus III, who would eventually succeed him) had a deep appreciation for art.

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Their family began collecting significant pieces of European art from different periods. During their reigns, the German collection more than doubled in size. With this influx of new pieces, the royal collection had to have a beautiful place to be housed. Architect Gottfried Semper, who also designed the Semper Opera House, was asked in 1838 to build a gallery to store all these famous works of art. In 1855, the new Royal Museum opened to the public.

During WWII, the museum was closed, and all the essential pieces were sent away for safekeeping in mansions around Germany. Unfortunately, some works were still lost after the invasion of the Red Army despite being saved from the bombing. It wasn’t until the late 60s that some of the lost paintings were rightfully returned to the people of Dresden. To this day, there are still more than 450 pieces missing.

Entering the Gallery

Entering the gallery, you pass through a set of enormous wood-carved doors. They are three times the size of a regular door and are incredibly heavy. The giant iron knobs creak as you push them open. It feels like entering an old mansion rather than a modern museum. After paying for your ticket, you can leave any cumbersome bags or coats downstairs in the locker room. You can then head up the ornate staircases to the galleries. The staircase is a reconstruction covered in beautiful grisaille (“a method of painting in grey monochrome, typically to imitate sculpture”), making the walls appear to come alive despite being simple plaster.

The first thing you notice when you walk into the first gallery is the colour of the walls. This vibrant red is used to support the entire collection. As you move from room to room on the first floor, full of Italian artwork, you will only see the walls painted in this same colour of red. As you move to the Dutch and Flemish painters, the walls change to green. Finally, the Spanish and French artists are all displayed on a blue-grey-coloured wall. There are so many memorable pieces in the gallery, but I wanted to share some of the ones that struck a chord with me and whose powerful imagery still lingers in my mind.

The Sistine Madonna

The Sistine Madonna, also called the Madonna di San Sisto, was painted by the Italian artist Raphael Sanzio in 1512. It stands at the back of one of the larger galleries. The lighting in this room is slightly dimmer than the rest of the exhibits, and Madonna’s robe’s bright red and blue seem to glow in the distance.

The piece was designed to fit above the altar in the church of San Sisto, Piacenza. Giorgio Vasari called it “a truly rare and extraordinary work,” and, looking up at it in person, you know what he means. This piece was the crowning glory for Augustus the Strong, who bought the work for over 100,000 francs. He even had the painting hung in his throne room when it was first brought to court and claimed that it would put visitors into a state of religious ecstasy when they looked upon it.

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The Cherubs

But what is most curious about this painting is not the four figures prominently featured in the foreground but the two little cherubs floating at their feet. These cherubs have become iconic in their own right. I’d seen these angels all over the place when I was younger and never knew they were a part of a larger painting. According to legend, when Raphael was painting the Madonna, the children of his model would come in to watch him work. He was so taken by the children and the way they would stare up at their mother he just had to incorporate them into the painting — staring up for eternity, awestruck at the mother of God.

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The Sleeping Venus

The Sleeping Venus, also known as the “Dresden Venus,” is a painting by the Italian Renaissance master Giorgione. This piece is one of the most erotic pictures in his oeuvre. When you look at it in person, it’s vexing. Her skin feels like you could reach out and touch it. She seems vulnerable, lying there without her clothes, drawing all eyes toward her naked flesh. Giorgione died before he could finish the work. It was eventually completed by the infamous painter Titian, who would have a successful career producing works of beguiling women.

Although she is nude, this isn’t what makes the work so sensuous. The woman is lying with her arm raised and her hand resting on her groin. If you look closely, the painter has made great pains to paint the landscape in a way that mimics the shape and curves of the woman’s body. It makes the viewer feels as though this dominant woman is shaping the world with the power of her body.

The Portrait of a Boy

This Portrait of a Boy by Bernardino Pinturicchio is an excellent example of Renaissance art and a great representation of childhood. The boy in the painting seems to be alive, his eyes looking right at ours as if he had been looking away, then was startled and turned to face us. He seems sad, almost annoyed, portraying the epitome of youthful grumpiness.

The Tribute Money

Titian‘s The Tribute Money depicts the Pharisee’s attempt to catch Christ with trick questions. They asked Christ whether it was lawful to pay taxes. But no matter how he answers, he will be trapped. Instead, Christ responds to the man to hand him a coin and says, “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” The painting is so expertly painted you can almost feel the tense interaction between the two. Christ seems calm, his hands relaxed despite encountering such accusations. The Pharisee’s hands are dark and crumpled up, his face wrinkled and menacing.

The Sacrifice of Isaac

Andrea Del Sarto‘s The Sacrifice of Isaac is a heartbreaking painting that is emotional and full of action. As if you’ve just caught them in the act, God is testing Abraham’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Abraham is prepared to comply, but God sends an angel to stop him. If you look closely, you can see the painting is not finished, giving scholars a chance to see the different stages the painter took while working on his masterpiece.

In my opinion, the facial features make this painting so compelling. Look at the fearful expression in the boy’s eyes. He is looking right our way, seemingly calling out for help and asking us to step in. Abraham has a tear in his swollen eye, and his mouth hangs open with relief as the angel proclaims that his son shall live.

The Archangel Michael Vanquishing the Devil

The Archangel Michael Vanquishing the Devil, an action-packed scene by Tintoretto, is a brilliant example of the painter’s artistic style. He loved group scenes full of theatrical performances. The entire environment is saturated in divine light. The angels are driving away Satan, portrayed as the seven-headed dragon. One of the angels uses a lance to cast him back down to hell. This forms the dynamic axis, giving the painting an intense and active feel.

The Dresden Triptych

The Dresden Triptych is a tiny hinged altarpiece completed by the early Netherlandish painter Jan van Eyck in 1437. Considering it is such a small piece, the painting may have been used for private prayers in a household or as a portable altarpiece for a wealthy clergyman. The triptych is embedded in a beautiful golden frame with script engraved along the edges.

The structure built around the painting highlighted the art and protected it from damage. The center of the frame depicts the Virgin and Child sitting inside a magnificent cathedral or church. They are sitting upon a large, canopied throne with dozens of ornate columns flanking either side of the chair. The columns are dark, painted red, orange and grey, conveying a “sense of airy silence.” 

Mary is draped in a dark red and richly embroidered gown. This dress is the most eye-catching part of the frame, and you are drawn into her. Contrasted against the dark red is the naked baby, with his hands outstretched, asking the people to come to him and “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.”

St. Catherine

St. Catherine and the Archangel Michael are on the Virgin and Child’s other side. Compared to the darker environment the Virgin sits in, the two saints are bathed in holy light from the stained glass windows behind them. Both St. Michael and St. Catherine are dazzling in their appearance. They have worn only their best to come and meet Christ’s child. St. Catherine is dressed as she would have been when she was a princess before her torture and execution for her religious beliefs. She is stunning — her hair worn down, crowned with a tiara.

The blue of her dress, shining in the light, seems to almost sparkle. It’s as if God is thanking her for her sacrifice and making her saintly form the epitome of her earthly beauty. But her trials are not forgotten in this painting. At her feet rests the wheel on which she was tortured. Against the wall rests the sword with which she was beheaded.

St. Michael

St. Michael is dressed in brightly coloured armour emblazoned with jewels. But what is most fascinating about Van Eyke’s representation is his outrageously coloured wings! They seem almost bird-like in their appearance and make him all the more fantastical. He stands upright with his lance and helmet in hand at the service of the Virgin and Child.

Like many devotional paintings, the donor can also be found in this picture, with the hand of St. Michael resting on his shoulder. His hands are in prayer, and he is dressed in a long, green cloak similar to the ones worn in the Burgundian court. His gown is of high quality, trimmed with fur and accented with a red velvet hood. These are all clues as to what kind of man this donor was. The man looks over to the Christ child with such dedication in his eyes, honoured to be in his presence.

The Drunken Hercules

In contrast to the delicate beauty of the Dresden Tryptic, Peter Paul Rubens’ The Drunken Hercules is a rough portrayal of men falling from grace. Hercules, the hero of so many great stories, is portrayed here as succumbing to the vice of drink. The wine has robbed him of his strength, and he requires the help of a satyr and wood nymph to make his way safely through the forest. The painting seems to serve a moral theme to the viewer — drinking too much can have drastic consequences for even the strongest of us. But for me, it also shows that even the powerful must fall. Those close to us will carry us forward until we regain our strength to face a new day.

Memento Mori

One of my favourite Dutch still-lives from the collection is painted by Jan Davidsz. De Heem. This one is called Memento Mori, Latin for “Remember Death.” Still, lives were incredibly popular in the 1650s, and many portrayed bouquets of flowers, food, drinks, and objects placed in a balanced composition against a dark background. But when we look closer and study the symbology of every little grain of sand, rose petal or sea shell, we learn there is much more under the superficial surface of these paintings. The flowers in full bloom, their leaves are eaten by insects and on the verge of death, remind us that time isn’t to be wasted on vanity and empty splendour. Rather it’s about living and striving for virtue in all our actions. The stalks of grain on the table represent Christ and signify the resurrection. 

Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window

Johannes Vermeer is one of history’s most celebrated painters. He is known for his intricate attention to detail and his use of realistic light and shadows. Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window is a perfect example. It was painted between 1657-1659 and depicts an everyday-looking Dutch woman. She is standing by an open window, gently holding a letter. But this painting is more than just a lovely woman. It’s a tale of betrayal and forbidden love. The open window represents the woman’s desire to escape her domestic life. The half-eaten fruit symbolizes her affair.

The letter she holds in her hands is from her lover, either planning to continue their illicit affair or perhaps to call things off once and for all. We know love is a prominent theme of this piece since x-rays have revealed that Vermeer once painted a small Cupid in the corner of the canvas but ultimately covered it up with drapes. Perhaps he wanted the imagery to be subtler, allowing the viewer to draw conclusions.

The Procuress

Jan Vermeer’s The Procuress is a very controversial painting portraying the reality of women’s plight in the 16th century. The man in the front of the picture, perhaps a soldier, is fondling her breast in the sight of all the other men in the room. At the same moment, he drops a coin into her outstretched hand. We can assume this is payment for sex as the scene is thought to be inside a brothel. The Procuress, the old woman in the back of the frame, smiles down on the scene.

The young lady in yellow smiles meekly, but her cheeks are flushed red with fear. The closeness of all the characters in the scene is meant to make the viewer feel claustrophobic. Most of the frame is occupied by the woven oriental rug, painted to the point of photorealism. The lovely design of the rug juxtaposes the involved scenes of patrons and prostitutes. Although it is a heart-wrenching display, it is honest and beautifully painted by this grand master.

Lucas Cranach, the Elder

The Dresden Old Masters Gallery houses over 50 paintings by Lucas Cranach, the Elder, making it the world’s most extensive collection of Cranach paintings. This tryptic is the story of various women martyred for their love of Christ over the years. St. Catherine is portrayed in the centre of the frame. She is the patron saint of scholars. Throughout her life, she converted over 50 pagans to Christianity in Alexandria during the 4th century. The female saints on the right side are St. Dorothea, St. Agnes and St. Cunigunda. On the left, we find St. Bara, St Usala and St. Margaret. 

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Museum Cafe

If you find yourself needing a break, stop into the cafe inside the Museum. Not only does it offer up some delicious treats and local cheeses (my personal recommendation), but it also has a beautiful patio that looks out over the adjoining square. This is the perfect place to rest, recharge, and people-watch!

Whatever you are drawn to within these walls, you’ll surely find something unique. This collection of artistic treasures is indeed a wonder and should not be missed on your next trip to Dresden.

The post Complete Guide to the Best Artworks inside the Dresden Old Masters Gallery first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Although you might expect the vault to be coloured green, the name comes from an altogether different reference. During its construction, the columns and bases that held up the vaulted ceiling inside were painted green. Hence the name the “Green Vault.” A German Emerald city.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Tickets
3. The Great Green Vault Robbery 
4. The Vorgewölbe (Entrance Foyer)
5. The Bernsteinkabinett (Amber Cabinet)
6. The Elfenbeinzimmer (Ivory Room)
7. The Weißsilberzimmer (Silver Room or White Silver Room)
8. The Silbervergoldete Zimmer (Silver Gilt Room)
9. The Pretiosensaal (Pretiosa Room or Hall of Treasures)
10. The Wappenzimmer (Coats of Arms Room, Heraldry Room)
11. The Juwelenzimmer (Jewel Chamber)
12. The Bronzezimmer (Bronze Room)

History

Augustus the Strong was the ruler of Saxony and lived in Dresden in the 18th century. Augustus was a very wealthy man and adored his city. He spent time, money and effort to make Dresden the jewel of all Europe. The King wanted the best artists from all over the world to congregate there to live, work and create commissions for his kingdom.

Today, Dresden is not as well known as Florence or Berlin, but in the 18th century, it was referred to as the Venice of the Elbe. Augustus’ had some of the finest jewellers, metalworkers and artists working round the clock to create treasures that would rival any royal collection worldwide. But the treasurer’s served a practical purpose in addition to looking so beautiful. They were an expression of wealth and absolutist power to any visiting officials that spoke volumes of Dresden’s regime.

WWII

Dresden was very heavily bombed during WWII. But early warnings allowed the King’s men to hide the treasures in a fortress far away from the ruined city. Alas, this did not keep them safe forever. When the Red Army invaded, they stole the collection and brought it as a prize to Moscow and Kyiv. After years and years of negotiation, the pieces were returned to Dresden.

During the years of negotiation, the city of Dresden set about reconstructing the Green Vault. And in 2005, the collections and restored interiors were returned to the public. The baroque galleries and ornate displays have all been rebuilt in the same brilliant style. Today, you can walk through the rooms just as hundreds of people have done years before.

Tickets

The lineup for tickets to these galleries was intense. Only so many tickets are allotted per hour to limit the number of people they let inside. To ensure you get to visit, you can always buy your tickets online in advance. You can buy a single ticket to the Green Vault or a combined ticket to the Royal Palace that will also get you admission to the New Green Vault, Turkish Chamber, Renaissance Wing, Hall of the Giants, Royal State Apartments of August the Strong and the Porcelain Cabinet, Firearms Gallery and special exhibitions in the Kupferstich-Kabinett.

Prices: Green Vault Adults €14.00 | Combined Ticket €24.50

We arrived a little before our designated ticket time, so we enjoyed our coffee while perusing the large art bookstore inside the museum. This place was a dream; there were hundreds of art books, paper doll collections, postcards, jewellery pieces, and more. It was probably my favourite bookstore we visited on our entire trip. I could have just lived here.

The Great Green Vault Robbery 

Another reason that they are so strict about limiting the numbers inside the green vault is due to the modern-day robbery that took place here in 2019. On November 25th, a collection of royal jewellery was stolen from the museum. Included in the heist was a 49-carat Dresden White Diamond, the diamond-laden breast star of the Polish Order of the White Eagle, which belonged to the King of Poland, a hat clasp with a 16-carat diamond, a diamond epaulette, and a diamond-studded hilt containing nine large and 770 smaller diamonds, along with a matching scabbard. Thankfully, the collection’s most significant treasure, the green diamond, was away on loan at the MET Gallery in New York.

The worth of stolen items was valued at over €1 billion! But it was the cultural significance that was truly priceless. The Green Vault closed its doors to the public after the theft. Thankfully, in 2022 thirty-one of the stolen items were recovered by the German authorities. Today, the museum plans to reopen in February 2023 to allow guests back inside to see the collection again.

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The Vorgewölbe (Entrance Foyer)

Before entering the museum, you must enter a large waiting room, which features an introductory audio program. Also in this room are various pieces from the collection that aren’t currently displayed in the gallery. Also in this gallery are photos of the Green Vault taken before WWII. This gives you an idea of the extent of destruction and reconstruction required to bring this place back to life after the Dresden bombings.

Also included in the waiting area, are a collection of enamel works from Limoges and other ceramics that date back to the Middle Ages and early Renaissance.

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No Photo Policy

You are not allowed to take pictures inside the gallery. A policy which always pains me. But especially after the rubbery, they are so careful about the security of this precious museum. But in not allowing you to take photos, you are forced to truly immerse yourself without distraction into exploring the collection.

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The Displays

When it was time to enter the gallery, you approached a set of glass doors with your ticket and were quickly given a once-over by security. Then you walk through a dust-proof double door which sucks out all the air from your entering before opening the second set of doors. This is because everything isn’t behind glass when you are in the gallery. The tiny pieces of the collection are displayed on gilt shelves, which hover like flying carpets against mirrored walls, just as the King once displayed them.

The Bernsteinkabinett (Amber Cabinet)

The first room you enter after exiting the spaceship-like dust-proof room is the Bernsteinkabinett or the Amber Cabinet room. The exhibit includes 16th-century vessels, bowls, ceremonial cutlery and statuettes produced in the amber workshops in Königsberg and Danzig. Amber art was thought to be the most luxurious of all the art forms, so it was no surprise that it found its way into royal chambers.

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The King of Prussia gave many of the pieces to Augustus the Strong. Prussia was then famous for its skilled Amber sculptures. The small Amber Cabinet, the showpiece of this room, was one of those gifts. Its incredible handwork is astonishing. The tiny amber drawers with inlaid gold are fantastic. There is something about Amber’s art that is transfixing. It swirls and changes shape as the light reflects upon its glasslike surface.

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The Elfenbeinzimmer (Ivory Room)

After the Amber room, you enter the Elfenbeinzimmer (the Ivory Room). Save for a few numbered plaques, this room almost doesn’t feel like a museum. It only feels like you’re walking through a beautiful house you’ve been invited into. The small groups allow the space not to feel overcrowded. Everyone respects the silence, and despite being a touristy place, it does feel relatively peaceful.

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Atop all the shelves were a variety of small carved statues made from pure ivory. The ivory towers with impossibly tiny spirals inside are still one of the most amazing pieces of art and engineering. I cannot imagine how skilful and still those hands who made that must be. The bright white ivory is set against dark terracotta marble and a rich red and black tiled floor. Creating the most luxurious juxtaposition.

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The Weißsilberzimmer (Silver Room or White Silver Room)

The next room is the Weißsilberzimmer (the White Silver Room). This room displays some of the finest examples of silver plates, flatware, buffets, oversized silver vessels and large pieces for dinner service from Augustus the Strong. This room is painted floor-to-ceiling emerald green and trimmed in gold to contrast the silver on display. The vaulted ceilings are bright white and accented with elaborate details.

These silver pieces are some of the best examples of silversmith artwork from the 17th and 18th centuries. You won’t see any pieces in here from the 19th century, as most silver from that era was melted down to fund the crown’s dwindling bank account. One of the most important treasures from this room is a solid gold drinking bowl from Ivan the Terrible. One of Augustus’ prized possessions.

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Along one wall, are shelves are dedicated to the gold ruby glass of the royal palace. Its dark red colour pops against the green walls. The red colour was produced by adding gold chloride as it cooked. The ruby glass was frequently associated with magical powers. Coral was also thought to have magical properties and, as such, was incorporated into many silver gilt designs from the 17th-18th century.

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The Silbervergoldete Zimmer (Silver Gilt Room)

As you pass through the Emerald green of the White Silver Room, you come upon the Silbervergoldete Zimmer (the Silver Gilt Room). In contrast to the previous one, this room is painted a deep vermillion. The mirrors in this room are smaller but formed into various baroque shapes. This room features gilded silver pieces, gold drinking vessels, and carved figurines. Most figurines feature Greek myths’ stories, but some also feature historical figures.

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One of the most striking pieces in this room is a jewellery box made of gilded silver, mother of pearl and precious stones. It was a Christmas gift that Christian I gave his wife Sophie in 1585. Inside the lid of the box was once a tiny clock, but only fragments of the clock have been preserved. One can only imagine which precious jewels Sophie kept inside this box.

The Pretiosensaal (Pretiosa Room or Hall of Treasures)

As you enter the next room, you immediately notice that this is the largest of all the rooms. This is the Pretiosensaal (Hall of Treasures). This room reminded me greatly of the Chandelier Gallery in Versaille.

It was not as big as Versaille, perhaps, but even more opulent. Along each wall, from floor to ceiling, were gilded ostrich eggs, nautilus and sea snails set in silver, vessels made of coloured gems and ambers, microscopic portraits inlaid onto ornate cherry wood boxes and even rock crystal bowls decorated with Grecian heroines.

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Precious Crystals

In the Middle ages, rock crystal was believed to have magical powers. I think you can see a theme emerging. The King wanted the finest things in his collection and anything that would perhaps imbue him with more power. Since crystals were thought to be pure, it was thought to symbolize God and the purity of the Virgin Mary.

But not everyone was on board with these thoughts. In fact, some found these jewels to be an affront to God. As nothing should be worshipped aside from God himself. Saxony was one of the wealthiest countries of the time, and they loved showing off their wealth anywhere they could. This resulted in the creation of some of these outlandish drinking vessels. There were glasses made from ostrich eggs and sea snail shells, goblets made of mother of pearl, and even coconuts inlaid with gemstones. These were considered the devil’s inventions and deplored by God in Heaven by many monks who served the King.

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The Wappenzimmer (Coats of Arms Room, Heraldry Room)

The Wappenzimmer (the Heraldry Room) features copper and gilded coats of arms of the Saxon provinces, the Polish state coat of arms and the original plates of the House of Wettin electorates. This room serves as a nice break from the overwhelming decor of the previous rooms. Some of these coats of arms still bare the damage from the WWII bombings. And you can see the burnt metal’s edges almost peeling away. This an excellent example of how fire can burn through almost anything.

The Juwelenzimmer (Jewel Chamber)

Up next is the Juwelenzimmer (Jewel Chamber). Here are the crown jewels of the Saxon-Polish royalty. This was the room that was the target of the 2019 burglary. Behind solid glass are golden pendants, necklaces and rings, electoral swords and modern gem sets. The room looks like a bedazzled royal coat of arms. Blue and crimson walls are decorated with ornamental fields of mirrors and covered in gold engravings.

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Dresden Green Diamond

In this room, the real crown jewel of the Green Vault can be viewed. It is the impossibly rare Dresden Green Diamond, a massive, naturally irradiated gem from India. The diamond is embedded in a statue called the “Moor with Emerald Cluster” or the “Jewel Garniture” and the “Obeliscus Augustalis.” It is a flawless hunk of green carbon, unfined and perfect. Augustus was obsessed with possessing rare and precious stones. He was so impressed with this gem that he didn’t want to ruin its natural state and therefore commissioned statuettes designed to carry the precious stone.

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Sapphire Collection

One of my favourite pieces from the gem room is the Sapphire collection. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Sun King Louis XIV started a trend of making jewellery designed in a uniform style. This meant that buttons, buckles, weapons, snuff boxes, pocket watches, hat decorations and more all possessed reflected the same designs and detailing. This attire gave the impression of absolute uniformity throughout the monarchy and the royal family. For Augustus, he did so with his signature Dresden Sapphires.

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The Bronzezimmer (Bronze Room)

The final room is the Raum der Renaissance bronzes (Room of Renaissance Bronzes). It features some large, bronze sculptures from the 17th century.

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Dresden’s Green Vault offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most magnificent collections of treasures. From its stunning Baroque architecture to its sparkling jewels, intricate enamels, and precious goldsmith works, the Green Vault is a testament to the skill and artistry of the master craftsmen of centuries past. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of fine art, or simply looking for an exceptional experience, a visit to the Green Vault is an absolute must! If you’ve visited before, let me know your favourite part of the collection.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Dresden’s Amazing Historic Green Vault first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. History of Dresden Frauenkirche
   • WWII
   • Frauenkirche Restoration
2. Current Frauenkirche
3. The Golden Cross
4. Baroque Interior
   • Protestant Liturgy
   • Organ
   • Stone Bell
5. Walking up the Dome
6. View over Dresden

History of Dresden Frauenkirche

The original building that once stood here was a traditional Roman Catholic Cathedral. It was during the Reformation that this new Baroque Lutheran design came to replace the old Catholic Church. The new model was considered one of the best examples of Protestant architecture, and it holds up one of the largest domes in all of Europe atop its octagonal base. For decades, the dome and its golden cross were the crowning glories of the Dresden skyline.

WWII

During WWII, the Church was heavily bombed. On February 13th, 1945, the American and British forces dropped thousands of bombs on Dresden. The Church has withstood bombings and attacks, but never to this extent. The Church stood its ground for two days of constant bombing runs. People had come to the Church to seek refuge, and for those two days, the eight massive sandstone pillars protected these people and no doubt saved their lives. But even the strongest must fall. And after 650,000 bombs, the heat generated inside and outside the Church caused the pillars inside to explode. Some claim that they glowed bright red and shattered into a million pieces.

Frauenkirche Restoration

After the war, people who loved their Church took the pieces of shattered and blackened sandstones and piled them together. They collected these pieces hoping the former heart of the city would be rebuilt one day. But they had to wait over 45 years, through communism, until their Church would return to the people. The communists were not interested in spending money to reconstruct the Church, but dedicated art historians, priests and even the congregation began salvaging and categorizing the stones. These stones became a memorial to those lost at war, and in 1982 it was the place where people would meet to protest the East German regime. Finally, after reunification, the reconstruction of the Church would begin.

In 1989, a 14-member group of enthusiasts headed by Ludwig Güttler, a noted Dresden musician, formed a Citizens’ Initiative to raise money for the restoration. Architecture, art historians and engineers sorted the thousands of stones, identifying and labelling each for reuse in the new structure. An American, Günter Blobel, had fond memories of the Church when he was a boy as he had originally been born in Germany before moving to America. In 1994 he won the Nobel prize and donated his $1 million prizes to the Dresden Church of our Lady resolution. In the end, rebuilding the Church cost €180 million dollars, most of which was raised by private citizens. Outside the front doors of the Church lies an original piece of the dome, blackened from the explosion, as a memorial to the original Church and those who died trying to protect it.

Current Frauenkirche

To this day, you can stand outside the Church and see the original piece of stone that has been used in the Church’s restoration. These stones are covered with a darker patina due to the fire and weathering, but in a few more hundred years, the rest of these new sandstones will also become weathered and blend into the original stones. It was a sight to see as it is, making out the immensity of stones salvaged by everyday citizens.

The Golden Cross

The most moving piece of restoration is the new golden tower cross. The cross was funded by “the British people and the House of Windsor” and was made by a British blacksmith whose father was one of the bomber pilots responsible for the Church’s destruction. It shows how two countries, once at war, can unite to help repair the scars of war and create something beautiful.

Baroque Interior

The original Baroque Church was built between 1726 and 1743 by Dresden’s city architect, George Bähr. The Church is bright and covered from head to toe in pastel colours. When restoring the Church, artists used paintings and photographs of the original colouring to restore it to its former brilliance. Some people might not believe these colours could have been utilized in the 17th century, but the Baroque architecture was obsessed with pastel colours. Bähr especially loved green and gold and accented the Church with these trimmings. The windows are made of clear glass, and although this might look like an oversight or work in progress from the restoration, it is actually on purpose. The architect wanted the pure sunlight to filter through the windows, unheeded by stained glass, to illuminate the inside of the Church further.

Protestant Liturgy

Bähr incorporated the new Protestant liturgy by placing the altar, pulpit, and baptismal font up front for all to see. He made the front middle section of the Church the real stunner and left the rest of the Church to only compliment this glowing altarpiece and organ. One important aspect of Baroque architecture was the element of illusion. As such, a church that couldn’t afford hundreds of slabs of marble created its own by painting marbling patterns along all the sandstone columns which hold up the immense dome. The Baroque painters and architects are masters of light and shade, and using this can create illusions that make the building seem longer, wider and even more detailed.

Organ

In 1736, famed organ maker Gottfried Silbermann built this incredible three storeys manual organ for the Church. On the day it was inaugurated into the Church, Johann Sebastian Bach performed a recital to an audience of hundreds. One can only imagine the music he would have produced from this grandiose machine.

Below the organ, you can see, well, how can you miss, the large altar. This altar depicts Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. You can see the olive trees behind him and him praying to the angel coming down from heaven, accented in gold. By some miracle, this piece partly survived the bombing and the fire that destroyed the Church. Some of the figurines had pieces broken off but were more easily restored, leaving us a real original piece of the Church today.

Stone Bell

Other than the altarpiece, the most important part of this building is the 96-metre-tall dome. The name of the dome is “die Steinerne Glocke” or “Stone Bell.” At the time, it was a real feat of engineering and required 12,000 tonnes of sandstone to support.

The frescos painted around the dome are scenes of the four evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and allegories of the Christian virtues of belief, love, hope and mercy. These baroque frescos are painted with lighter hands; they were meant to reflect not only the lives of the evangelists but the lives of the ordinary people. The scenes are set on earth and seem more related to people. You can see many of the details on the wall frescos and the dome by ceiling up to the top of the dome. This requires an entry fee but is perhaps one of the city’s best views and the Church itself.

Walking up the Dome

The winding and spiralling staircase lead you to a tiny trapdoor which you climb through to suddenly come through to a viewing platform with a stunning view of the city.

View over Dresden

From here, you have a 360° view across the Elbe and Dresden. We were up there on a clear day and could see past the city and surrounding countryside. You can see the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts and Brühl’s Terrace. Around the corner, you can see the central historic district. You can see the pointed spire of the Dresden Castle, the green onion down of the Roman Catholic Church, the Orange roofs of the Dresden State Art Collections, and the Glass roof of the Dresden Green Vault.

You can see the newly restored square and all the little dots of people below. During the restoration and after the war, this square was where they stored all the thousands of pieces of rubble; now that the construction is done, the square has opened back up to the public – and they have been greatly enjoying having it back. As well as their stunning Church, which anchors the centre of the city.

The post The Best Guide to Discovering the Beauty and History of Dresden’s Iconic Frauenkirche first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Access

The Procession of Princes, or Fürstenzug, is located in Historic Dresden, Germany. The Procession of Princes Mural is situated outside the Stallhof, on Schlossplatz Square. Walking east along Augustusstraße, you will immediately be overwhelmed by the site of the giant wall installation.

About the Procession of Princes

This 101-meter-long porcelain series of portraits depicts the entire history of Dresden. By portraying the various men who built, controlled, governed and sparked new thoughts and ideas within the city. It features Dukes, Electors, Kings and other leading figures from the arts and sciences.

Porcelain Tiles

Over 24,000 porcelain tiles make up Procession of Princes. The tiles were made in the German town of Meissen. Meissen was made famous for its prolific porcelain factory. Today, the Procession of Princes is the world’s most extensive porcelain work of art. 

History of Mural

Initially, the outer wall of the Stallhof (Stables Courtyard) was decorated with a large fresco. The first fresco dated all the way back to 1589. In 1872, for the 800th anniversary of the princely House of Wettin, a new fresco was commissioned to replace the previous one.

Wilhelm Walther

This version was to be painted by artist Wilhelm Walther. Walther worked on the piece for more than five years. He used the sgraffito technique popular in the 19th century. This sgraffito technique was made by applying layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colours and scratching away to reveal the various layers and colours.

At the back of the group along the mural, look for a man with a large hat poking his head out of the crowd. This is a portrait of Wilhelm Walther, who designed the original fresco.

Sadly, Walther’s new fresco began to deteriorate almost immediately. So in 1904, 23,000 Meissen porcelain tiles were commissioned to replace the painted fresco. Tiles could withstand the outdoor elements and be a permanent solution to ensure the artwork lasted for ages. Each tile was hand painted and fired. Hundreds of artisans were employed to complete the work of art.

WWII

Amazingly, thanks to the strong tiles, the Procession of Princes was minimally damaged during the significant Dresden bombing of WWII. After the war, its remaining artistry served as a beacon of hope for reconstructing the rest of the city of Dresden.

Design of the Mural

Despite being fired in porcelain, it looks closely at the tiny details painted onto the mural to make it appear like a giant woven tapestry. Buttons and tassels hang from below. Also spread throughout the mural are blossoms, fruits, and various birds flying overhead.

Fashion Throughout Time

One of my favourite things about the mural is watching fashion change as we move through history. On the chest of Conrad are the arms of Dresden. The weapons depict the lion of Meissen.

Portraits on the Mural

Across the mural, you’ll find 35 noblemen, princes, dukes and kings. All of these men are seen mounted on horseback. In addition, there are also 59 scientists, artisans, artisans, children, and farmers accompanying these noblemen on foot. 

The only woman portrayed in the mural is a girl in the group of children at the rear of the royal procession.

The man leading the charge is Conrad the Great. He ruled from 1123 until his retirement in 1156. Conrad was the leader of the wealthy Wettin family, for whom the entire mural was made honour.

Augustus the Strong

The most important man in this mural is Augustus II, Augustus the Strong. You’ll hear his name over and over in Dresden. His face was plastered on dozens of statues across the city. Augustus the Strong got his name due to his physical strength. He liked to show off at any opportunity. Once, as the legend goes, he broke a horseshoe in half with his bare hands. History has proved that the horseshoe in question was very brittle, but nevertheless, it impressed the people at the time. 

Augustus had high ambitions for himself and his great city of Dresden. He was a great patron of the arts and architecture. Augustus established the Saxon capital of Dresden as a major cultural centre, attracting artists from across Europe to his court. He collected hundreds of artworks from some of the greatest old masters. 

Augustus and the Polish Throne

But Augustus wanted more, and in 1697 he converted to Catholicism to take control of the Polish throne. See if you can spot the flowers scattered on the ground in the mural. The horse Augustus rides is rearing up and stomping out a large rose. This rose was the symbol of the Lutheran religion. A message that Augustus was stamping out all evidence of his previous belief and was loyal to the Catholic faith.

At the end of the mural, we see a frame with the text that says, “You old tribe, be always again in the noble ranks of princes, as all-time your people consecrate you the old German loyalty.”

The procession ends near the Church of the Holy Trinity entrance, where many men portrayed in this mural are buried.

The post An Art Guide To The Procession Of Princes In Dresden first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.