Dresden

On the flight to Frankfurt, there was a "Weihnachtmärkte Weltweit" photo essay in the Lufthansa Magazin, about the "global phenomenon" of German Christmas markets, in varied and unexpected locales. One of places visited was Dresden.

Dresdner Weihnachtsmarkt

Dresdner Weihnachtsmarkt

Dresden is the capital of Saxony (Sachsen - one of the new Bundesländer that we didn't learn about in German class). While building the new, they are also uncovering the old.

Archaeological Dig in the City Centre

There is an impressive mosaic showing the procession of the medieval dukes of Saxony.

Fürstenzug

There are other mosaics from the Communist era.

Workers Unite!

Much of the city centre was destroyed in 1945, including the most significant cultural and historical buildings. They have since been rebuilt. Despite outward appearances, this part of town is actually quite new.

Semperoper (Opera House)

The most poignant success story is the main Lutheran cathedral, which was rebuilt in time for the 800th anniversary of the founding of Dresden in 1206.

Fire-bombed Remnants of the Frauenkirche

Reconstructed 1992-2005