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Dresden History Tour: 700 Years of Hidden Stories
4.9
18 Ratings
Dresden
Join Dr. Fraser Macdonald for a 2-hour walking tour uncovering Dresden’s 700-year history, from prehistoric times to Baroque splendor and beyond.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Köpckestraße - The tour kicks off on the Elbe’s banks, where Dresden was first permanently settled. We’ll take a moment to reflect on the history, culture, language, and eventual displacement of the area’s original inhabitants.
- Museum fur Sachsische Volkskunst mit Puppentheatersammlung - We’ll delve into the intriguing history of this location, which started as a wealthy Augustinian monastery in the 15th century before being demolished and converted into a royal hunting lodge in the 16th century following Luther’s Reformation. Note that we won’t be entering the building or its museums, but participants are welcome to do so at their own pace. Ticket prices are available here: https://volkskunst.skd.museum/besuch/
- Haus der Kirche - Dreikoenigskirche - At this stunning Baroque church, we’ll uncover the hidden history of this vital site in the former Altendresden, dating back to the early 15th century. Please note that we won’t be entering the building or climbing the tower, but participants are free to do so at their own leisure. Tower climbing prices can be found here: https://www.hdk-dkk.de/dreikoenigskirche/der-turm/
- Augustus Bridge - From Altendresden, we’ll cross the renowned Augustus Bridge to enter the Altstadt and continue our exploration of Dresden’s rich medieval history.
- Frauenkirche Dresden - Here, you’ll learn about the 700-year history of the Frauenkirche before its Baroque construction and the various structural and religious changes it underwent during this period. Please note that we won’t be entering the building or its museums, but participants are free to do so at their own pace.
- Holy Cross Church - Hear the tale of how this notable church was originally built in the 13th century, faced multiple destructions, and witnessed key moments in the Reformation.
- Denkraum Sophienkirche - Discover the incredible story of Dresden’s first Franciscan monastery, built in the 13th century, its downfall, and its later revival as the iconic yet tragically lost Sophienkirche. This church offers a unique perspective on the shifting political and religious tides in Dresden’s history.
- Royal Palace (Residenzschloss) - Our tour concludes at the splendid Residenzschloss, where we’ll explore how Dresden evolved from a small, relatively unimportant city to one of the most significant in the Holy Roman Empire. This royal residence was constructed to house the Electors and Kings of Saxony, and we’ll learn about the remarkable transformations it symbolizes. Please note that we won’t be entering the building or its museums, but participants are free to do so at their own pace. Ticket prices are available here: https://www.skd.museum/en/visit/royal-palace/
What's Included
- Professional Guided Tour
What's Not Included
- Entrance to Dreikönigskirche (5 Euro to climb the tower)
- Entrance to Residenzschloss (14 Euro entrance fee)
- Entrance to Museum für Sächsische Volkskunst (5 Euro entrance fee)
Additional Information
In this rare opportunity, Dr Fraser Macdonald, anthropologist and historian, takes you on a deep journey into the hidden 700 year history of Dresden before, during, and after it became an icon of Baroque splendour. Across visits to a range of crucial sites in the city, you will learn of the prehistoric significance of the Elbe Valley for Paleolithic and Neolithic populations, the ancient origins of Dresden as a small fishing village, its growth from a tiny city to a flourishing centre of the Holy Roman Empire, the enormous impact of Luther’s Reformation, as well as the damage and destruction produced by centuries of warfare.
- Infants must be carried by adults
Location
Golden Rider
Neustädter Markt
Please meet at the large golden statue of August the Strong riding his stallion, you can't miss it. It is an easy walk across the Augustus Bridge from Altstadt, or take one of the many trams that stop there.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(18 Ratings)
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906diannet
Aug 25, 2024
Suzzanne & Dianne - Fraser was an engaging and informative guide who took us to points of interest which we would otherwise not have seen. This was a great introduction to the highlights of Dresden. We would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rob_l
Jun 18, 2024
A walk well worth taking! - Fraser provided us with an introduction to Dresden that was interesting and informative. There is so much history to be found in the architecture and streetscapes of the city, and Fraser was an engaging and knowledgeable host.. We took this walk at the start of our visit, and it gave us a good sense of physical layout and cultural development over time. It also helped identify places we might further investigate during our stay. Both the walk and our conversations were thoroughly enjoyed.
Review provided by Viator
Evadne_l
Jun 9, 2024
Great introduction to Dresden - Our tour with Fraser was both fun and informative. He showed us some hidden gems as well as the main attractions. We had a great time and it was great value seeing our group was really small.
Review provided by Viator
Tristam2015
May 19, 2024
Nice tour! - Nice guided trip. We were late due to traffic and terrible parking, but I notified our guide and he was nice enough to wait for us to arrive. We would recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fionacd6618bk
May 11, 2024
Nicely paced, informative walk - Great 2 hour walk. Nicely paced by Fraser, interesting facts and taken to bits that we wouldn't otherwise have seen. There were a couple of lively colourful older American ladies and it was a nice compact group. Thoroughly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Smokey1517
May 3, 2024
Great Introduction to Dresden - My husband and I were the only ones on the tour. Frasier was on time, very knowledgeable and very easy to understand. We learned a lot about Dresden and would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherri_l
Apr 24, 2024
Memorable and thought provoking. - Fraser was an excellent tour guide and led us on a fascinating walk through old and new Dresden. He was responsive to individual questions and never rushed us. We learned so much about the history of Dresden and Saxony. Knowledgeable and very personable. Thanks, Fraser!
Review provided by Viator
Storyteller605417
Apr 3, 2024
Great experience walking tour of Dresden - Fraser gave us a great walking tour of Dresden. We learned a lot about architecture and the history of the city. We would highly recommend him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorraine_p
Mar 18, 2024
Don’t leave Dresden without a tour! - We had a wonderful informative time and we enjoyed it immensely. Our guide was very pleasant , friendly and walked us through Dresdens beautiful history.
Review provided by Viator
Robin_g
Apr 11, 2024
Engaging guide - It happened to be a private tour and for that it was very good, and personal. Dresden is not so big and there is plenty of time for visiting the churches and adking the guide questions. Two hours is plenty for so much walking and receiving many facts. We liked that there were quite a lot of history about Neustadt also.
Review provided by Viator
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