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Church · Dresden, Saxônia
Frauenkirche
Baroque Lutheran church of the Neumarkt, destroyed in the 1945 bombings and rebuilt between 1994 and 2005 using some of the original stones. The dome has a viewing platform.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Frauenkirche
The Frauenkirche (Igreja de Nossa Senhora) is the Lutheran church that dominates the Neumarkt in Dresden’s old town. Built in the 18th century, it has a large stone dome nicknamed the Steinerne Glocke (stone bell), and it also became famous for music: in 1736 Johann Sebastian Bach played the original organ, built by Gottfried Silbermann.
In the February 1945 bombings, the church withstood the initial attacks, but the dome collapsed on the 15th due to the heat of the fires. During the East Germany period, the pile of rubble remained in place and in 1966 was declared an anti-war memorial. Residents even collected and numbered stones for a possible future reconstruction.
Reconstruction began in 1994, after reunification, funded by donations from several countries. The original stones that could be reused appear darker on the façade, alongside the newer, lighter ones. The golden cross atop the dome was made in London and paid for by British donors. The church was reconsecrated in October 2005 and today is a symbol of reconciliation.
The interior, bright and in pastel tones, has galleries on several levels around the altar. The crypt (Unterkirche) was the first part rebuilt and houses prayer chapels. A climb partly by elevator and partly by ramps and stairs leads to the platform above the dome, at about 67 meters, with views over the Elba and the whole city center.
It is a functioning church, with frequent services, prayers and concerts. During services tourist visits are suspended. In front of the church stands the statue of Martinho Lutero.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour for the church. Add about 1 hour if you climb the dome.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon there are fewer groups. The climb to the dome is worth it on a clear day. To see the interior with music, check the church’s schedule for organ times and concerts; during service times visits are suspended.
How to get there
It is located in the Neumarkt, a few minutes’ walk from the Altmarkt and the Brühlsche Terrasse. Trams that stop at Altmarkt and Pirnaischer Platz get you close.
Tip
Entrance to the church is free (there are donation boxes); the climb to the dome is ticketed and has its own entrance at the side. Visiting hours change according to services and concerts: check before you go. Respect silence during prayers.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Frauenkirche
Is there an entrance fee for the Frauenkirche?
Entry to the church is free; the church asks for donations for maintenance. The climb to the dome platform is paid and requires a separate ticket.
Can you go up the dome of the Frauenkirche?
Yes. Part of the route is by elevator and the remainder by ramps and stairs up to the platform, at about 67 metres. The view covers the Elba, the old town and the Neustadt. Check opening times as they vary with the church’s schedule.
Is the Frauenkirche the original?
It is a faithful reconstruction, completed in 2005. The original church collapsed after the 1945 bombings and remained in ruins for almost fifty years. The darker stones in the façade are original, recovered from the rubble.
Can I visit during mass or a service?
During services and prayers tourist visits are suspended, but anyone may attend the services silently. Check the schedule before you go.