Anecdotes of a Globetrotter: November 2021

I didn't know what to expect when I planned my trip to Dresden, as it was meant to be a transit city. Looking at the map it seemed pretty small and compact, and not too much information on Dresden tourism online.

But this town had surprised me in a few ways - other than the shock I got when I checked into my accommodation, and the knowledge of most things going to be shut in Dresden because of the heightened covid alert, walking around the city had been absolutely pleasant.

So many beautiful buildings and squares... Who needs to enter museums when you can view art and history just by walking the streets! Especially in the Innere Altstadt

Neumarket and Frauenkirche Dresden (Protestant Church).

Interiors of Frauenkirche is a must see. Strange to see the "Eye of Providence" in here, I always thought it was some cult symbol.

Brülsche Terrasse and the buildings along it (Albertinum and Academy of Fine Arts), and the river view.

Having been here on a Sunday morning and then a Monday evening to view both the day and the night view of these beautiful buildings, it was surprising how quiet this stretch was on a Monday evening.

It's actually really nice not to have much people around. I was probably the only tourist, seeing how tourism isn't encouraged around here during current times 😝

Schossplatz, a cobbled square with 18th century origins, overlooked by a Cathedral and Palace. It includes building such as the

Fürstenzug - Large porcelain mosaic of Saxon rulers

Georgentor

Dresden Palace or Residenzschloss

Katholische Hofkirche (Roman Catholic Cathedral)

Theatreplatz

Another square, with a prominent space for the Semperoper Dresden (Opera House) and entrance to the Zwinger.

Zwinger is a historic baroque building with central pools and gardens. It appears the central grounds were undergoing some renovation of some kind and won't be ready for at least a couple years.

The chime of the clock was really unexpected too, very uniquely different.

Strizelmarket

Another pretty square, and apparently is Germany’s oldest Christmas market and largest in Dresden.

Unfortunately due to covid heightened restrictions in Saxony, they were closed when I was there, but I saw some of the decor used and it looked like it was going to be a really amazing Christmas market.

Not far from Strizelmarket is Kreuzkirche, no photos inside the church, but in any case, the inside was just OK.

The other key area worth visiting in Dresden is Neustadt, located across the river from Aldstadt.

Particularly Kunsthofpassage, an interesting alley with buildings façades covered with unique art work, and street filled with art and murals.

There's also Molkerei Gebrüder Pfund, which apparently was an inspiration for Wes Anderson’s film Grand Budapest Hotel - a cheese shop covered from floor to ceiling in hand painted tiles. Simply beautiful!

While on the other side of the river, I enjoyed walking along the Elbwiesen river banks and admire the view of Aldstadt.

I had some extra time and visited the Grand Garden of Dresden. It was located next to the zoo, and I managed to see sneak peeks of elephants. The zoo doesn't look very exciting unfortunately, looks very quiet!