54909GER
Dresden sightseeing with TM (possibly including the Alte Meister Gallery)
· You need cash/ACIS card for entrances to the Alte Meister gallery (if specifically included on your itinerary).
· Your driving time is short today so you can be flexible.
· If you are coming from Berlin and it is lunch time there are several places between the Hofkirche and the Albertinum. Other possibilities in the Alte Markt and in Wilsdruffer Strasse.
Dresden – visit.
You can either set down in front of the Opera on Theaterplatz (the bus has to park at the Terassenufer Bus Park) or park behind it on Am Zwingerteich (the bus park is signposted and this will add a 10 minute walk to the opera), or park directly at the Terassenufer Bus Park. Make a rendezvous for departure for 2½ to 3 hours later.
Your walking tour should include:
The Semper Oper and Hofkirche (outside)
The courtyard of the Zwinger
The rebuilt Frauenkirche (on the way there you will go past the “Fürstenzug” fresco)
The Brühlsche Terrasse (see map)
Give some free time for lunch. There are several places between the Hofkirche and the Albertinum. Other possibilities in the Alte Markt (Galerie – shopping centre) and on Wilsdruffer Strasse.
Finding ATMs and public toilets in Dresden can be an issue. There is a (somewhat hidden) small shopping mall called QF Passage on the corner opposite the Frauenkirche. Look for Piazza Nova Gastonomie – it is inside that block. There are pay toilets (€0,50) downstairs and an ATM (ground level) inside. There are also pay toilets in the Old Master’s Painting Gallery, behind the ticket office.
If you have time, suggest the group visits the Painting Gallery of the Old Masters in the Zwinger (Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, Durer, Holbein etc)
DRESDEN FACTS AND FREE TIME
Museums
Museums are closed on Mondays except for the Grüne Gewölbe and generally open from 10.00-18.00.
The Zwinger. In addition to the Old Masters gallery there is the Duke of Saxony’s impressive collection of Meissen, Chinese and Japanese porcelain.
Also the museum of Mathematics and Physics in the old Salon, which has an interesting collection of clocks.
Residenzschloss. Dresden’s Royal Palace now reopened and containing the stunning Grüne Gewölbe (Green Vault) collection – August the Strong’s Treasury – a veritable Ali Baba’s cave of riches.
The Albertinum. Contains the gallery of 19th and 20th century painters ranging from Casper David Friedrich to Otto Dix.
On the other side of the river (Neustadt) is the Japanese Palace, a Pöppelmann building containing a huge collection of Meissen tableware. Set in a splendid garden overlooking the river.
Close by is the Volkskunst Museum a pretty Renaissance building which houses a collection of Saxon folk art, including multicoloured furniture, toys etc.
THINGS TO DO
The Semper Opera can be visited. Call group reservations.
Tel. (049) 0351 4911 496
The Frauenkirche is worth a look inside, having been destroyed in the Allied bombing raids of 1945, it was rebuilt to its former glory since Reunification. Access to the tower provides great views of the city.
The Alte Meister Galerie has a superb collection. If a visit is not included, this is a great recommendation for free time.
SHOPPING
The best areas are the Prager Strasse, the Alte Markt (there are art and craft stalls in the Spring), and the Wilsdruffer Strasse.
In the Neustadt, try Hauptstrasse and Königstrasse (good also for cafés)