Let's begin our journey with one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe - the Zwinger Palace. This magnificent complex, built between 1709 and 1732 at the behest of Augustus II the Strong, was intended as a place for court ceremonies and a testament to the power of the Saxon ruler, who was also king of Poland. The Zwinger impresses with its harmonious composition of pavilions, galleries and gardens. Walking through the courtyard, note the painting depicting the Saxon rulers of the Wettin dynasty, which was transferred onto 25,000 tiles of Meissen porcelain - a true masterpiece of ceramic art.

It is interesting to note that it was in Zwinger that the wedding of Frederick Augustus II, later King Augustus III of Poland and Lithuania, took place. Today the complex houses several valuable museums, including the famous Old Masters Gallery with a collection of paintings by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Raphael. Science lovers will appreciate the Mathematics and Physics Salon with its collection of historical scientific instruments, while porcelain enthusiasts will find one of the most important collections of Meissen ceramics in the world.

Not far from Zwinger rises the monumental Prince's Orchard, an extraordinary mural made of Meissen porcelain depicting a parade of Saxon rulers. It is the world's largest porcelain painting, measuring 102 meters in length and consisting of more than 25,000 tiles. The mural depicts the history of the Wettin dynasty from the 12th to the 20th century, and among the figures one can also recognize Polish kings August II the Strong and August III. The work, executed between 1904 and 1907, miraculously survived the bombing of the city in 1945. Today it is not only a tourist attraction, but also a kind of history lesson, showing the links between Saxony and Poland.

The next point on our tour is the Residence Castle (Dresden Castle), the historic seat of Saxon electors and Polish kings. This impressive building, which dates back to the 15th century, has been rebuilt several times in Renaissance and Baroque styles. In 1697, when Saxon Elector Frederick August I was elected king of Poland as August II the Strong, the castle became one of the residences of the Polish monarch. It is worth knowing that in 1775 the first lightning rod in the city was installed on the tower of the castle - a technical novelty that aroused great interest among the residents at the time.

The castle was severely damaged during a bombing in 1945 and remained in ruins for decades. Its reconstruction began only in 1985 and continued until the early 21st century. Today you can admire the restored chambers and visit the Treasury - one of the richest collections of royal jewels in Europe. It houses, among others, the coronation insignia of Augustus II the Strong and the famous 'Green Diamond' - a unique stone weighing 41 carats.

An integral part of Dresden's skyline is the Semperoper - one of the most famous opera houses in the world. This neoclassical edifice, designed by Gottfried Semper, was completed in 1841, but was rebuilt by the architect himself after a fire in 1869. The Dresden Opera House was the site of the premieres of many famous works, including operas by Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. During World War II, the building was destroyed, and it took until 1985 to rebuild it.

It is interesting to note that Polish artists have performed at the Semperoper, including the famous singer Marcella Sembrich-Kochanska, who gained recognition here before launching an international career. The acoustics of the opera hall are considered one of the best in the world, and the richly decorated interiors are stunning in their splendor. Even if you don't have the opportunity to attend a performance, it's worth taking a guided tour of the edifice to learn about its fascinating history and get a glimpse behind the scenes of one of Europe's most important opera houses.

From the opera house, head toward the Brühl Terraces, a picturesque promenade along the Elbe River that offers some of the most beautiful views of the city. The terraces were named after Henry Brühl, a powerful minister of Augustus III, who managed the Saxon treasury and had a great influence on the king's decisions. According to local legend, the terraces were erected as a reward for the introduction of a wealth growth tax, which contributed significantly to the royal treasury.

In the 18th century, the terraces were home to Brühl's palace, which unfortunately has not survived to the present day. Today, it is a favorite place for locals and tourists to stroll, offering unforgettable views of the Elbe River and the historic city center. At the foot of the terraces is a marina from which cruise ships depart, allowing visitors to enjoy Dresden's skyline from the perspective of the river. The Brühl Terraces are also an excellent vantage point for viewing the Church of the Virgin Mary, which is the next point on our tour.

Dresden's Church of the Virgin Mary (Frauenkirche) is a true symbol of the city's rebirth. This monumental Baroque church with a distinctive dome was built between 1726 and 1743, designed by George Bähr. During the bombing of Dresden in February 1945, the church was completely destroyed - its ruins served for decades as a war memorial and a reminder of the atrocities of war. It was only after German reunification, in 1994, that reconstruction of the church began, which was completed in 2005.

The reconstruction of the Frauenkirche was made possible by international cooperation and donations from around the world, including Poland. Interestingly, the reconstruction used original stones excavated from the rubble, which can be recognized by their darker color against the new, light-colored sandstone blocks. Inside the church it is worth noting the altar, pulpit and organ, which are faithful reconstructions of the destroyed originals. The observation deck on the dome offers a panoramic view of the city, which makes up for the effort of climbing 267 steps.

To complete our tour of Dresden, we visited the Elbe Valley (Dresden Elbe Valley), which was a UNESCO World Heritage Site until 2009. This scenic 18-kilometer stretch of river valley stretches from Übigau Palace to Pillnitz Palace and combines natural beauty with cultural heritage. The Elbe Valley not only offers captivating landscapes, but also numerous architectural monuments, including historic vineyards, palaces and villas.

One of the most charming places in the valley is the Blue Miracle (Blaues Wunder), a bridge built between 1891 and 1893, which was considered an engineering marvel at the time of its construction. Its name comes from the structure's distinctive blue color. According to local legend, the bridge was supposed to be blown up at the end of World War II, but a group of brave locals cut the detonation cables, saving the structure from destruction.

The Elbe Valley is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. A popular bicycle path runs along the river, which is part of the international Elberadweg trail, leading from the Czech Republic to the North Sea. In the summer, temporary beaches are built on the banks of the Elbe, where Dresden residents relax and enjoy the beauty of nature in the heart of the city.

Dresden's ties to Polish culture are also worth mentioning. It was in this city that Adam Mickiewicz wrote part III of 'Dziady' and Frederic Chopin gave concerts during his travels around Europe. In the 19th century, Dresden was an important center of Polish emigration, where Polish patriots found refuge after the fall of the November Uprising.

Comparing all seven of the described sites, it is clear that each offers different experiences and attractions. The Zwinger and the Residence Castle impress with their baroque splendor and rich art collections, ideal for history and culture lovers. The Semperoper is a treat for music lovers and admirers of architecture, while the Church of the Virgin Mary is a symbol of the city's rebirth and determination. The Brühl Terraces and the Elbe Valley, meanwhile, offer a chance to get in touch with nature and enjoy the city skyline. The Prince's Orchard, on the other hand, is a unique work of art that presents the history of the region in an accessible way.

In terms of accessibility, all of the described sites are located in the city center or its immediate vicinity, making it easy to visit. Most of them can be visited in one or two days, although it is worth reserving at least a weekend to fully experience Dresden. Admission prices for the various attractions range from free admission to the Brühl Terraces and the Elbe Valley, to average prices for entry to the Church of the Virgin Mary, to more expensive tickets to the museums in Zwinger and the Residence Castle.

Dresden is a city that delights in every season. In spring and summer you can enjoy a stroll along the Elbe River and relax in the numerous parks, in autumn admire the golden colors of the trees reflected in the water, and in winter experience the magical atmosphere of the Christmas markets. No matter when you visit, this city is sure to leave an unforgettable impression and encourage you to visit again.