A city rebuilt

Didn't really know much about Dresden, apart from the fact that it was almost totally destroyed in 1945 by controversial allied bombing raids, but the city on the Elbe was our first stopover on our latest camping trip.

Dresden has a long history as the centre of the Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendour, with the city formerly known as The Jewel Box because of its baroque and rococo city centre. Sadly the impact of the bombings and 40 years of urban development during the East German communist era dramatically changed the face of Dresden. However, since German reunification in the early 1990s huge reconstruction and restoration programs have taken place, and the Dresden of today has been magically restored to its former glory. But judging by all the construction sites still scattered around the centre of the city, seems they are still pretty busy rebuilding.

The main efforts have been centred on restoring the almost totally flattened Church of Our Lady (the Frauenkirche). This totally reconstructed imposing and beautiful church, right in the centre of the city, has become a landmark symbol of reconciliation between former warring enemies. It stands now in full glory in the city square and is one of the most visited landmarks of Dresden.

Another well visited landmark is the impressive 102 metre long mural known as the Procession of the Princes (the Fürstenzug). Made out of 25,000 porcelain tiles it is one of the largest porcelain artworks in the world.

Our campsite was situated just a 20 minute bus ride from the city so we were able to get to the city with ease :-)

Alli xxx