"Dresden & The Meaning behind its Stark... " a Dresden Travel Page by richiecdisc

While Germany is associated with many things that verge on stereotype from lederhosen glad men with beer bellies to highways with no speed limits it will perhaps always be most notorious as the place Hitler destroyed. Yes, in his vast underestimation of the places he planned to conquer he most assuredly brought about an even more widespread decimation of his own country. Beautiful cities were leveled by WWII bombings sometimes in retaliation for like aerial attacks emanating from Nazi forces. Industrial areas were perhaps fair game but in some instances places devoid of such development and noted mostly as centers of art and culture suffered similar fates as the wrath of reprisal superseded common sense and decency.

Though Germany has lost and rebuilt many beautiful cities, Dresden perhaps illustrates this wanton destruction better than any. When Coventry was senselessly laid to rubble by Nazi planes England retaliated with the aid of the United States in surprising fashion by subjecting Dresden to a similar fate. Under normal conditions, both cities would have been considered off limits to such acts having no ties to either nation’s economy or war waging abilities. No, their treasures were harmless and timeless. Things of beauty that one could understand taking but the destruction of which made little sense.

Dresden stands as a testament to German ingenuity and resilience. Many cities were rebuilt but few were as flattened or as intricately beautiful as the city often referred to as “the Florence of the north.” With a plethora of building styles to rebuild, perhaps what set this painstaking re-creation apart from others was the local sandstone that was used. The porous material weathers quickly and darkens in the naturally moist climate of the Elbe river location. What is left over fifty years later is a harrowingly beautiful and delicate city, stark and pleading not so much for attention but for understanding.

The city’s largest church, the imposing Frauenkirche was originally left as a ruin, a reminder of man’s sometimes lack of humanity towards not only his fellow man but also for generations of men to come. So, it was not without some debate that it was decided to undertake the rebuilding of the final piece in Dresden’s already formidable skyline. Many argued that that ruin should remain as is and as intended-a reminder, but it was eventually decided that the city had suffered the scar long enough and that the past glory would finally be completed with the aide of generous gifts from around the world, most notably Coventry, its now sister city joined by mutual destruction.

Now, when one arrives by train the silhouette of this unique and stunning city awes even jaded travelers. That it can bring tears to such eyes is not only a tribute to how man has somehow managed to right an incredible wrong and has perhaps learned a valuable lesson in the process but to beauty itself. Things of beauty such as these should never be the focus of war. Their destruction is not only senseless but a crime against humanity and nature. Their value is beyond monetary. They are the things that prove all mankind is more alike than different, that deep down we all cherish the same things. It’s something we all should keep in mind and a visit to Dresden cannot help but make you ponder such things.

With the Fareunkirche firmly in place as a bold memorial and tourist attraction along with the city’s numerous architectural wonders and neighboring sights like the Elbsandsteingebirge and Elbe River wine region, Dresden is perched to join the elite of European must see destinations. It may do so on the mere merit of its sights. But it will resonate as more for those who seek to understand the meaning behind its stark beauty.