Altmarkt Square

The large rectangular market-place has been the heart of the town since Dresden's foundation and was mentioned for the first time in a document in 1370. Markets, festivities, tournaments and games were staged here and important historical events also turned the Altmarkt square into one of the social centres in town.

During the bombing raids of February 1945 the historical Altmarkt square was completely destroyed. Reconstruction on a changed ground plan began in 1953.The rebuilding of residential and business premises referred to historical elements - continuous bay-windows, sectionalised plaster-sandstone facades, dormer windows, saddleback roofs and adornment. These buildings - today classified as a historical monument - form the east and west boundaries of the Altmarkt square.

At the northern side of the square is the Dresden Palace of Culture, which was completed in 1969 and is an example of Dresden's modern Eastern architecture. The roof, shaped like a symmetrical trapezoid, projects up out of the main cube-shaped building section. After lengthy city council discussions, the building is set to be renovated in 2012.

Today Altmarkt square is once again used for seasonal markets and events. One highlight, among others is the annual Dresden Christmas Market - which belongs to those with the longest tradition in Germany.