Divided into two banks by the Elbe River, Dresden appears as two distinct halves of a mosaic, where the ancient and the modern world coexist: one side, Alstadt, preserves timeless historical heritage, while the other, Neustadt, represents modern, dynamic, and vibrant Germany.
Dresden showcases a blend of ancient and modern beauty.
Explore the magnificent Kingdom of Saxony in the ancient Altstadt.
Nestled between the Ost Erzgebirge mountain range on one side and the majestic rocky mountains on the other, Dresden unfolded before me with a picturesque natural landscape. Even in the summer month of June, the city offered a pleasant atmosphere, bathed in brilliant sunshine, fresh air, and cool breezes. Enjoying the tranquil summer here, I decided to explore Dresden starting from the Altstadt – a place where time seemed to stand still, thanks to the ancient beauty of numerous architectural structures bearing the mark of the esteemed Saxon kings.
To begin my journey, I visited the Zwinger Palace, a symbol of Germany's most famous Baroque architecture. Built in 1709 under the masterful design of architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann, the Zwinger Palace boasts magnificent buildings made of sandstone, adorned with thousands of exquisite Renaissance sculptures. Strolling along the corridors decorated with works of art, and past the elaborately carved balconies, I was immersed in a completely separate space from the past. Looking at the opulence and vastness before me, I could imagine a scene of European nobility enjoying a classical concert in the bright sunshine, their amiable smiles like a scene from a classic film playing before my eyes.
The majestic beauty inside Frauenkirche church
Walking along the Elbe River, I stopped by the famous Fürstenzug – a unique work of art made from 25,000 Meissen porcelain tiles depicting the procession of the kings of Saxony. Over 100 meters of porcelain murals recreate the nearly 800-year reign of the Saxon monarchy, vividly portraying the kings on horseback marching forward, captivating visitors with the epic stories of the Haus Wettin dynasty. As I strolled past the Fürstenzug, the vast landscape I passed seemed untouched by time; its pristine ancient beauty made me forget the modern life continuing on the other side of the Elbe.
Down the Elbe River to Neustadt, a piece of Dresden's energy.
From the Fürstenzug wall area to the Frauenkirche church, I was lost in the ancient Renaissance atmosphere of Dresden, losing track of time and almost missing my pre-booked trip to explore the Elbe River on the world's oldest and largest steamboat. The journey along the Elbe offered breathtaking scenery, with magnificent buildings appearing in the vibrant pink and purple hues of the sunset. But the most special thing was that, alongside this ancient setting, a glance to the north bank of the city revealed a dynamic and colorful Germany in Neustadt.
The modern look of Dresden today
If you choose to spend the day immersed in the opulent medieval life of Saxony, then after sunset, Neustadt is the perfect place for hungry stomachs to explore. Immersing myself in the life of the Dresden residents on the Neustadt side, I couldn't believe that just hours earlier my emotions had been transported to the 18th century, and now I was back in the bustling bars, restaurants, and shops of the 21st century. Choosing a seemingly busy local eatery, I was introduced to the distinctive flavor of "sauerbraten"—a signature beef dish served with red cabbage and potatoes, along with a rich, creamy "dresdner handbrot" bread.
In particular, a visit to Dresden would be incomplete without sampling its exquisite and refined wines. Amidst the picturesque Elbe River, enjoying a glass of white wine, I observed the diverse life on both sides of the river and felt as if I had just embarked on a unique journey through time. In the intoxicating effect of the wine, I felt a wonderful connection between the past and the present in Dresden. The ancient values, deeply rooted in history, culture, and art, coexist with new, modern, and civilized values, creating a harmonious blend and a wonderful balance of life for the people of Dresden and, of course, for anyone fortunate enough to visit this beautiful city.
Source: https://heritagevietnamairlines.com/dresden-hanh-trinh-cua-thoi-gian/
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