Our journey through historic Dresden begins with one of the city's most recognizable landmarks - the Zwinger palace complex. This Baroque masterpiece, built between 1709 and 1732, impresses with its monumental architecture and beautiful gardens. Visiting the Zwinger, you can feel as if you are at the court of Augustus II the Strong, who commissioned the construction of this impressive building. Note the Crown Gate (Kronentor) - one of the most characteristic elements of the complex. The Zwinger tour is free, making it accessible to all history and architecture lovers.

However, the real treasures are hidden inside the Zwinger's walls. Here is the famous Old Masters Picture Gallery, one of the most important collections of European paintings in the world. This gallery is a real feast for art lovers, offering the opportunity to admire works by masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian and Vermeer. Particularly noteworthy is Raphael's 'Sistine Madonna' - one of the most famous works in the collection. An entrance ticket to the gallery costs 14 euros for adults (as of 2023), but it's worth remembering that children and teenagers under 17 can enter for free.

Moving from art to architecture, don't miss the Residenzschloss (Residence Castle), also known as Dresden Castle. Once the seat of Saxon rulers, this impressive palace complex was painstakingly rebuilt after war damage. Today, it houses several fascinating museums, including the famous Green Vault (Grünes Gewölbe), a treasure trove full of priceless jewels and works of goldsmith art. The castle offers an extraordinary journey through the history of Saxony and its rulers, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of an ancient royal court.

When comparing the three buildings, it is worth noting that each offers a slightly different experience. The Zwinger impresses above all with its architecture and gardens, being an ideal place to stroll and relax. The Old Masters Picture Gallery is a paradise for painting lovers, offering the opportunity to interact with the works of Europe's greatest artists. The Residence Castle, on the other hand, is a comprehensive historical experience, combining elements of architecture, art and Saxon history. All of these places are in close proximity to each other in the center of Dresden, making it easy to visit them all in one trip.

Leaving the walls of the palaces and galleries, it is worth delving into the streets of Dresden, where history speaks to us through remarkable monuments and works of public art. One such place is the famous 'Prince's Orchard' (Fürstenzug), located on the wall of the Residence Castle on Augustusstrasse. This monumental work, more than 100 meters long, depicts the history of Saxony in the form of a procession of rulers and important historical figures. Made of 25,000 porcelain tiles, it is the largest porcelain mural in the world. 'The Prince's Procession' is not only a work of art, but also a fascinating history lesson, tracing the history of Saxony from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Interestingly, the mural survived the bombing of Dresden in 1945, becoming a symbol of the city's resilience to wartime destruction.

Not far from the 'Prince's Procession' is another landmark on the map of Dresden - the Golden Horseman (Goldener Reiter). This gilded equestrian statue depicts Augustus II the Strong, one of the most famous rulers of Saxony and Poland. The statue, located on the Neustädter Markt, is not only an impressive work of art, but also an important symbol of the city. A noteworthy curiosity - the statue faces Poland, which was meant to symbolize August II's ties with the Republic. The Golden Horseman looks especially beautiful in the evening, when it is illuminated, creating an unforgettable sight.

Moving from the monuments to places offering panoramic views of the city, the Brühl Terrace (Brühlsche Terrasse) should not be missed. Known as the 'Balcony of Europe,' these terraces stretch along the Elbe River, offering unforgettable views of the river and Dresden's old town. It's the perfect place to take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the city skyline. The Brühl Terraces are not only a vantage point, but also an important place in Dresden's history - they were once part of the city's fortifications and were later transformed into an elegant promenade. Today they are a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.

When comparing the three attractions, it is worth noting their diversity. 'The Prince's Procession' offers an unusual combination of art and history, being both an impressive visual work and a valuable source of knowledge about Saxony's past. The Golden Horseman, on the other hand, is a single but very distinctive landmark that has become one of the city's symbols. The Brühl Terraces, on the other hand, offer a more spacious experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the city's skyline and relax in historic surroundings. All of these sites are free to the public, making them attractive to families and travelers on a budget. Their location in the center of the city makes them easy to visit in one walk, while learning about different aspects of Dresden's history and culture.

At the end of our journey through historic Dresden, let's stop at one of the city's most symbolic and moving sites - the Church of the Virgin Mary (Frauenkirche). This monumental temple, destroyed in a bombing in 1945 and only rebuilt at the turn of the 20th century, is not only a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, but also a symbol of rebirth and reconciliation. The story of the Frauenkirche is extremely moving - for more than 40 years the ruins of the church remained untouched as a war memorial, only to be finally rebuilt thanks to international efforts and support.

Today the Church of the Virgin Mary impresses with its monumental dome and rich interior. It's worth driving up to the observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city. The church is open to the public, and admission to the main nave is free. For a small fee, it is also possible to attend organ concerts, which are regularly held in this church, famous for its excellent acoustics.

To sum up our journey through Dresden's seven historic sites, it's worth noting the variety of experiences they offer. From the Baroque splendor of the Zwinger, to the artistic treasures of the Old Masters Picture Gallery, the historical opulence of the Residence Castle, to the symbolic 'Prince's Procession,' the majestic Golden Horseman, the panoramic Brühl Terraces and the spiritual heart of the city - the Church of the Virgin Mary. Each of these places tells a different part of Dresden's fascinating history.

When comparing these attractions, it is worth noting that most of them are available for free or for a small fee, making Dresden an attractive destination for families and travelers on a budget. All of the sites described are located in the center of the city, in close proximity to each other, making it easy to plan a tour. The most expensive attraction is the Old Masters Picture Gallery (14 euros for a regular ticket), but it is worth remembering that it offers an unparalleled experience of interacting with world-class art.

Dresden, with its rich history and culture, is an ideal destination for lovers of art, architecture and history. Each of the described sites offers a unique glimpse into the city's past, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of different eras - from the Baroque to the present day. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a lover of architecture or simply a curious world traveler, Dresden is sure to delight you and leave you with an unforgettable experience.