Dresden - Ernst-Thälmann-Strasse

The Kreuzkirche (early 13th C.) is the oldest church within Dresden's town walls. It was completely destroyed in 1760 during the Seven Years War, after which it was rebuilt in its present Baroque form (by Schmidt and Exner, 1764-92). The famous Kreuzchor (choir) dates from the original church.

On the right-hand side of Ernst-Thälmann-Strasse in Dresden is the old Landhaus (by F. A. Krubsacius; restored), a building in early neo-classical style with a double Roccoco staircase. It is now occupied by the Museum on the History of Dresden (Museum für Geschichte der Stadt Dresden).

On the left of Ernst-Thälmann-Strasse in Dresden lies the Altmarkt, the city's central square since the 13th C. (destroyed in 1945). It owes its present handsome and imposing aspect to the use of typical Dresden Baroque architectural forms in the rebuilding which began in 1953.

The new district north of the Town Hall has preserved something of the atmosphere of old Dresden with its little lanes, passages and courtyards. In this area is the restored Baroque and neo-classical Gewandhaus (by J. F. Knöbel, 1768-70), now a hotel. To the rear of the building can be found the Baroque Dinglingerbrunnen. In Weisse Gasse is the 19th C. Gänsediebbrunnen (Goose-Stealer Fountain).