Dresden Visit, Berlin Study Tour

FALL BLOCK I - DRESDEN

We are thrilled that you are joining us on our overnight excursion to Dresden, one of the most important cities in [Eastern] Germany. Once known as the “Florence of the North” because of its spectacular Baroque architecture, Dresden was nearly razed to the ground during the firebombing of World War II (as described in Kurt Vonnegut’s novel Slaughterhouse Five). Since the reunification of Germany in 1990, Dresden has again become a cultural, economic and political hub in Germany. The traditional Old Town (Altstadt) has since been completely reconstructed in a historically accurate manner, whereas the New Town (Neustadt) north of the river remains a thriving neighborhood of alternative, artistic and student culture. This gives Dresden, the capital of the federal state of Saxony, the feeling of actually being two drastically different cities. We are sure that you will enjoy exploring the multiple facets this city has to offer and that these days will enhance your academic and intercultural experience here with CIEE.

FREE TIME SUGGESTIONS

If your city tour didn’t take you here, be sure to check out the Church of Our Lady in the heart of downtown. Reconstructed from the rubble after the fire-bombing of Dresden (hence the dark stones on the façade -- though these are darkened by oxidation, not fire damage), the interior is a stunning example of Baroque sacred architecture and the cupola up top offers fantastic views of the city.