Dresden Cathedral

(AKA Katholische Hofkirche, Kathedrale Sanctissimae Trinitatis)

The Dresden Cathedral is a Baroque-style cathedral that dates back to the 18th century. Its construction began in 1739 and was completed in 1751 under the reign of Augustus III of Poland, who was also the Elector of Saxony. The cathedral was commissioned as a Roman Catholic Church and was intended to be the church of the Saxon court. It played a significant role in asserting the Catholic faith within the predominantly Protestant region of Saxony.

During the bombing raids of February 1945 the city suffered extensive damage, and the Dresden Cathedral was not spared. The church suffered significant destruction from the firebombing, which resulted in the collapse of parts of the roof and the destruction of some interior elements. The grand organ and many valuable artworks were also lost in the fires. The church was restored in the 1980’s by the East German government, with further restoration occurring in the early 21st century.

The architecture of the Dresden Cathedral is a blend of Baroque and Rococo styles, characterized by its grandeur, elaborate decorations, and harmonious proportions.

When visiting the Dresden Cathedral, take your time to explore both the exterior and interior. Admire the intricate details on the facade, enjoy the awe-inspiring dome paintings, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the church. The cathedral is free and open to visitors.

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Visit Notes

This cathedral is perfectly nice, however, due to the bombing and the reconstruction it is lacking many of the intricate details you would see in other grand European cathedrals. I don’t want to hate on this cathedral because, you know, it’s been through a lot, but it was not my favorite stop in Dresden.

On one hand, the interior is quite plain. But on the other hand, it’s fee to visit and it won’t take you long to walk through. I would say it’s worth a quick stop if you’re nearby.

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