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Exciting perspectives on Destination Germany
The Church of Our Lady in Dresden – symbol of
reunification
Frankfurt am Main, 5 March 2014 – A masterpiece of baroque architecture and a symbol
of German reunification. These days, no visit to Dresden is complete without seeing the
Church of Our Lady (www.frauenkirche-dresden.de). Built between 1726 and 1743 to
plans by the baroque architect George Bähr, the Church of Our Lady was so badly
damaged during air raids in World War II that it collapsed in February 1945. Calls to
rebuild it began soon after the war was over. Under East German rule, however, the
church served as a powerful reminder of the destructive effects of war. Only after German
reunification did it finally become possible to rebuild it, with the help of more than 600,000
donations from around the world. The monumental sandstone construction was officially
reopened in 2005.
Today, this icon of German unity is one of Dresden’s most famous landmarks, together
with the Semper Opera House and Zwinger Palace. It is open to the public from Monday
to Friday, and at certain times at weekends. The film ‘Faszination Frauenkirche’ (The
fascinating Church of our Lady), which is shown in the church visitor centre, is a good way
of preparing for a visit to the church itself. An audio guide provides information in five
languages and allows visitors to explore the building at their own pace. A range of guided
tours give detailed insights into the history, architecture and religious significance of the
church. Some of them are available free of charge and without booking, but to see the
Lower Church or experience a presentation accompanied by organ music does require a
reservation. The climb up to the dome of the church and the viewing platform are well
worth it. They offer spectacular vistas across Dresden and its surroundings, with
magnificent panoramic views of the city and its fabulous architectural treasures.
In addition to the Church of Our Lady, Dresden has many other attractions to offer
culturally minded visitors. From February to June 2014 the Semper Opera House is
celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Richard Strauss with a varied programme
Ente Nazionale
Germanico per il Turismo
Foro Buonaparte 12
20121 Milano
tel +39 02 00667792
fax +39 02 00667721
[email protected]
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of events. There is more music from 11 to 18 May when the city plays host to the 44th
Dixieland Festival, Europe’s longest-running old-time jazz festival. The 37th Dresden
Music Festival from 23 May to 10 June 2014 has the Roaring Twenties as its theme and
features performances from international stars and ensembles from Dresden. And there is
plenty more culture on offer throughout the rest of the year, such as concerts, exhibitions
and balls. More information about Dresden is available at www.germany.travel/Dresden.
Chi siamo
La DZT (Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus) è l'Ente Nazionale Germanico per il Turismo (ENGT).
La sua sede principale è a Francoforte sul Meno. Su incarico del Ministero Federale dell’Economia
e dell’Energia (BMWi) si occupa di rappresentare la Germania in quanto meta turistica, e a questo
scopo il Parlamento tedesco ne ha decretato il finanziamento da parte del Ministero. L'ENGT
sviluppa e diffonde strategie e prodotti per estendere ulteriormente l'immagine positiva delle
destinazioni turistiche tedesche all'estero e per promuovere i flussi turistici verso la Germania,
avvalendosi anche delle sue 30 sedi di rappresentanza a livello mondiale. Per maggiori
informazioni visitate il nostro centro stampa online all'indirizzo www.germany.travel/presse.
Ente Nazionale
Germanico per il Turismo
Foro Buonaparte 12
20121 Milano
tel +39 02 00667792
fax +39 02 00667721
[email protected]