A culture of remembrance in Dresden Elbland

Experiencing memories

The events of the Second World War and the Nazi era continue to shape Dresden to this day. The destruction of the city and its reconstruction are central focal points of remembrance and social debate. Places such as the Frauenkirche symbolise reconciliation and a new beginning. At the same time, it is clear how deeply the historical traces are embedded in the cityscape and the region. Residents and visitors alike are invited to explore these places and engage with history.

Dresdner Musikfestspiele: Konzert in der Frauenkirche

places of worship

Dresden’s places of worship tell a story of faith, destruction and new beginnings. Churches and synagogues not only shape the cityscape, but are also places where a living culture of remembrance thrives. Many of them were severely damaged during the Second World War or deliberately destroyed under National Socialism – and were later rebuilt or preserved as memorial sites. Today, they stand for peace, reconciliation and dialogue between the past and the present. Whether it is the Frauenkirche, the Kreuzkirche, the New Synagogue or the DenkRaum Sophienkirche: their eventful history makes them important places of remembrance and active peace work in Dresden.

Church of Our Lady Dresden

The Frauenkirche in Dresden, originally built in the 18th century, is the city's landmark and one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Germany.

Kreuzkirche Dresden

The Kreuzkirche on the Altmarkt in Dresden is the city's main Protestant church;

DenkRaum Sophienkirche

In the footsteps of St Sophia's Church: a place of remembrance in the heart of Dresden

Places of tranquillity and reflection

Cemeteries

Dresden’s cemeteries are places of peace and remembrance. The Heidefriedhof commemorates the victims of the air raids of 1945, whilst the St. Pauli Cemetery honours prisoners of war, victims of political violence and the children of forced labourers. Both sites continue to bear witness to history and the changing culture of remembrance to this day.

Military History Museum Dresden at night with illuminated Libeskind building and striking architecture.

Historic sites

Where people now stroll across the Altmarkt, study or enjoy cultural activities, there are places with a turbulent history. Dresden’s historic sites serve as reminders of war, destruction, persecution and political violence during the Nazi era. They highlight just how closely the past and present are intertwined and invite visitors to see the city in a different light.

Hold your position

For something really good ...

Here you’ll find Baroque architecture so magnificent that even Versailles would be jealous, and cakes so delicious that you’ll completely forget to count the calories. Come and visit – we’ve got history, culture and so much charm that you’re guaranteed to want to stay longer than you planned! 😊🏰🍰

Dresden City Museum

The bombing of Dresden in February 1945 caused widespread devastation in the city centre. In the rebuilt City Museum, a wedge stands as a symbol of the destruction. A permanent exhibition is dedicated to the destruction of the city.

Munich Square Memorial

The site where students at TU Dresden study today was once a central execution site of the German Reich. In the former Regional Court, a permanent exhibition commemorates the victims of political criminal justice between 1933 and 1957.

Symbols of remembrance and change

Monuments

As the name suggests, monuments are intended to commemorate. At the same time, they are always a reflection of their era and the political circumstances of the time, which is why they are sometimes subject to critical scrutiny.