"Remembering Dresden" a Dresden Travel Page by Ekaterinburg

It's been three and a half months now since I visited Dresden but I find images of it cropping up frequently in my head. It's impossible to come here without remembering the events of February 1945. Every building and architectural feature you admire reminds you that the original was reduced to a pile of rubble and that what 's before you now is a reconstruction. But unlike Berlin, Dresden is not covered in cranes ( not in the centre anyway ) and after a while you start to forget. Is this wrong I wonder, or is it a testament to the resilience and courage of the city and people of Dresden that you stop seeing it through the veil of history and start enjoying it for what it is today ?

This photograph for instance: taken while crossing the Augustusbrucke coming from the Neustadt to the Altstadt: the Hofkirche against the evening sky: the Hausmann Tower and Schloss Platz behind; the cobbled bridge with tantalising views up and downriver. This is one of my favourite images of this place and one which will always remain etched in my memory. Historical contexts aside, Dresden, as I saw it, was a city so beautiful, it took my breath away. After a while I found myself putting the past to one side and celebrating what was all around me. When I look back, it's not the history of Dresden that is formeost in my mind but the spires and towers of the skyline and the bridges and curve of the river.

This account of Dresden comes from the heart and is not top heavy with facts and figures. Because I came with a group and a guide and transport was all arranged in advance, I have no practical tips to pass on. It's just reactions and impressions gleaned from a walking tour of the Old Town, a coach tour of some of the more picturesque suburbs and a few precious hours wandering round on my own. In case you haven't already guessed, I loved Dresden and my recommendation is that if you have a chance to visit, don't on any account pass up on the opportunity.