Recorded Dresden history dates from 1206. Many events have occurred during that long span of time, ranging from the culturally significant to the famously tragic. The city was a humdrum market center and Slavic fishing village before the Wettin dynasty's Friedrich Augustus I came to power as elector of Saxony in 1694, when two nearby cities outdid his in size and prestige. Two centuries earlier, Leipzig already had a university and bustled with international trade-fair activity. And a tall, twin-steepled Gothic cathedral had stood on riverside Meissen's Burgberg promontory since 1290. The free-spending elector, nicknamed August the Strong (August der Starke) set out to make his capital a flamboyantly Baroque "Florence on the Elbe." Flush with money from silver mines in the southerly Erzgebirge ore mountains, he put artisans to work and imported Italian stonemasons, along with Westphalian architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann and Bavarian sculptor Balthasar Permoser. Most of what they achieved turned into scorched rubble after the Anglo-American air raids of February 13-14, 1945-overnight attacks during which more than half a million incendiary bombs whipped up a hellish firestorm, causing a huge death toll and destruction throughout 80 percent of the illustrious Innenstadt. Proud Dresdners have been putting their city back together ever since. |
| Preview: February Issue of Gemütlichkeit |
The February 2012 Issue of GemütlichkeitRead excerpts from the latest issue of The Travel Letter for Germany, Austria & Switzerland. |
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| Berlin & Hamburg Michelin Stars for 2012 |
Two Northern German Cities Each Add a Pair of Two-Star Restaurants to their Impressive List of Star-Studded EateriesNorthern Germany's top chefs in Berlin and Hamburg continue to rack up Michelin stars, firmly establishing the two cities at the top of the country's gourmet food chain. Their young, inventive and creative chefs have solidified the trend toward a modernized, German cuisine with local recipes and strong regional influences. |
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| Europe Car Rental: Winter Tire Update |
From November 1 through March 31, winter tires (tyres) are now mandatory with two rental car companies in Germany, Europcar and Avis. |
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| Where and How to Find Cheap Hotels in Europe |
With the recent drop in the dollar, it appears it's time to roll-out the cost cutting strategies for Europe-bound travelers. |
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| Changing Dollars for Euros |
After “where should we stay in xyz?,” the question we hear most is how best to change dollars into foreign currency, mainly euros. |
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| Best Air Ticket Option |
Why purchasing air tickets through a travel professional may be a better deal than buying online or directly from an airline. |
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| Special 21-Issue Offer on Gemütlichkeit, The Travel Letter for Germany, Austria & Switzerland |
If Gemütlichkeit doesn't save you more than the $49 subscription price, we'll refund your money in full. No argument, no tricks, and our guarantee is good for one year from the start of your subscription. |
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| What you should know about renting a car in Europe in 2012 |
Free DownloadThis 16-page booklet contains information and advice not found anywhere else on the web and is aimed at Europe-bound travelers shopping for a rental car. It offers money-saving techniques to be used throughout the entire rental process. |
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