GERMANY - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 226

With typical Dresden determination, on February 13, 1992, the city announced
that the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)—decreed by the communists to
stand in ruins forever—would be rebuilt. The church's dome dominates the scene.
The Frauenkirche is the largest German Baroque and Protestant church and also
the world's largest centrally planned Protestant church. After undergoing massive
archaeological reconstruction, the church is now one of the most spectacular,
and most visited, tourist spots in Dresden. Open Monday-Friday, 1000-1200 and
1300- 1800, no charge for entry. The church's reconstruction site is near the Alb-
ertinum Museum at Brühlsche Terrace. The Albertinum houses the New Masters
Picture Gallery, the “Green Vault,” treasure chamber, and numismatic and sculp-
ture collections. Hours: 1000-1800 Tuesday-Sunday. Admission €10.
Beginning with a group of only 55 dedicated members, the Society to Promote
the Rebuilding of the Frauenkirche now numbers more than 5,000 members in
Germany, with active supporters from more than 20 other countries. Out of the ru-
ins long seen solely as an admonition against war, the Frauenkirche is rising again
as beautiful as ever—a symbol of the healing of war's wounds, with a resounding
message of a strong desire for peace.
Obtain the Tourist City Guide from the tourist office. It contains a city map, places
of interest, sightseeing tours, and just about everything you might ever want to
know about Dresden. The Old Town is on the left bank of the Elbe, and the New
Town is across the river on its right bank. If you are an average sightseer, as we
are, you can reach the Old Town area on foot from the city center in no more than
15 minutes.