• Köpckestraße - The tour commences along the Elbe River, where Dresden was first permanently settled. We will take a moment to reflect on the history, culture, language, and eventual displacement of the original inhabitants.
• Museum für Sächsische Volkskunst mit Puppentheatersammlung - Discover the intriguing history of this location, which began as a wealthy Augustinian monastery in the 15th century before being transformed into a royal hunting lodge in the 16th century following Luther’s Reformation. Please note that we will not 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 - Dreikönigskirche - At this stunning Baroque church, we will delve into the hidden history of this significant site in the former Altendresden, starting from the early 15th century. Please note that we will not be entering the building or climbing the tower, but participants are welcome to do so at their own pace. Prices for tower access can be found here: https://www.hdk-dkk.de/dreikoenigskirche/der-turm/
• Augustus Bridge - From Altendresden, we will cross the renowned Augustus Bridge to enter the Altstadt and continue exploring Dresden’s rich medieval history.
• Frauenkirche Dresden - Here, you will 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 will not be entering the building or its museums, but participants are welcome to do so at their own pace.
• Holy Cross Church - Hear the tale of how this renowned church was originally built in the 13th century, faced multiple destructions, and witnessed pivotal moments in the Reformation.
• Denkraum Sophienkirche - Listen to the remarkable story of Dresden’s first Franciscan monastery, originally built in the 13th century, including its downfall and later revival as the iconic yet tragically lost Sophienkirche. This church offers a unique perspective on the evolving political and religious dynamics in the city’s history.
• Royal Palace (Residenzschloss) - Our tour concludes at the magnificent Residenzschloss, where we explore how Dresden evolved from a small, relatively insignificant city to one of the most significant in the Holy Roman Empire. This royal residence was constructed to accommodate the Electors and Kings of Saxony, and we will learn about the extraordinary transformations this palace symbolizes. Please note that we will not be entering the building or its museums, but participants are welcome 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)
• Entrance fees
• Entrance fees

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.