• Köpckestraße - The tour kicks off on the Elbe’s banks, where Dresden was first permanently settled. We’ll take a moment to reflect on the history, culture, language, and eventual displacement of the area’s original inhabitants.
• Museum fur Sachsische Volkskunst mit Puppentheatersammlung - We’ll delve into the intriguing history of this location, which started as a wealthy Augustinian monastery in the 15th century before being demolished and converted into a royal hunting lodge in the 16th century following Luther’s Reformation. Note that we won’t be entering the building or its museums, but participants are welcome to do so at their own pace. Ticket prices are available here: https://volkskunst.skd.museum/besuch/
• Haus der Kirche - Dreikoenigskirche - At this stunning Baroque church, we’ll uncover the hidden history of this vital site in the former Altendresden, dating back to the early 15th century. Please note that we won’t be entering the building or climbing the tower, but participants are free to do so at their own leisure. Tower climbing prices can be found here: https://www.hdk-dkk.de/dreikoenigskirche/der-turm/
• Augustus Bridge - From Altendresden, we’ll cross the renowned Augustus Bridge to enter the Altstadt and continue our exploration of Dresden’s rich medieval history.
• Frauenkirche Dresden - Here, you’ll learn about the 700-year history of the Frauenkirche before its Baroque construction and the various structural and religious changes it underwent during this period. Please note that we won’t be entering the building or its museums, but participants are free to do so at their own pace.
• Holy Cross Church - Hear the tale of how this notable church was originally built in the 13th century, faced multiple destructions, and witnessed key moments in the Reformation.
• Denkraum Sophienkirche - Discover the incredible story of Dresden’s first Franciscan monastery, built in the 13th century, its downfall, and its later revival as the iconic yet tragically lost Sophienkirche. This church offers a unique perspective on the shifting political and religious tides in Dresden’s history.
• Royal Palace (Residenzschloss) - Our tour concludes at the splendid Residenzschloss, where we’ll explore how Dresden evolved from a small, relatively unimportant city to one of the most significant in the Holy Roman Empire. This royal residence was constructed to house the Electors and Kings of Saxony, and we’ll learn about the remarkable transformations it symbolizes. Please note that we won’t be entering the building or its museums, but participants are free to do so at their own pace. Ticket prices are available here: https://www.skd.museum/en/visit/royal-palace/

• Professional Guided Tour

• Entrance to Dreikönigskirche (5 Euro to climb the tower)
• Entrance to Residenzschloss (14 Euro entrance fee)
• Entrance to Museum für Sächsische Volkskunst (5 Euro entrance fee)

In this rare opportunity, Dr Fraser Macdonald, anthropologist and historian, takes you on a deep journey into the hidden 700 year history of Dresden before, during, and after it became an icon of Baroque splendour. Across visits to a range of crucial sites in the city, you will learn of the prehistoric significance of the Elbe Valley for Paleolithic and Neolithic populations, the ancient origins of Dresden as a small fishing village, its growth from a tiny city to a flourishing centre of the Holy Roman Empire, the enormous impact of Luther’s Reformation, as well as the damage and destruction produced by centuries of warfare.

• Infants must be carried by adults

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.