Undoubtedly, the Elbe River is the best decoration of Dresden, its main attraction. Its rapid course remembers many events from the past, and how many of them are yet to come! The shores of this truly beautiful waterway of the land of Saxony are filled with majestic castles, emerald parks, elegant bridges. The river valley where the city is located has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. And it really should be seen by every traveler. No tourist can remain indifferent to what they see. And no one will regret the time spent on the trip.
On the river you can take an exciting cruise, which is reminiscent of a journey through time, an excursion into history. Admiring the luxurious buildings, it's hard not to admire. A special place among the attractions of Dresden is occupied by Pillnitz - the residence of Augustus the Strong. The huge building was built for the monarch by Daniel Pepelman according to a special project. The refined Baroque style, taken as the basis of the building in 1720, is striking. The park area is decorated with gazebos in the Chinese style, which was loved by the elector.
Dresden, the Elbe River invites you to leave the shore on a small steamboat, sailing under large and small bridges, each of which is very picturesque. Between them rise the spiers of ancient castles of different ages. For example, Ekberg Castle and a building built specifically for the Prince of Prussia in 1850. It is notable for its rounded gallery in a classical style. The interiors are decorated with symbols of power - the Prussian eagle and portraits of the ruling dynasty at that time. Today, concerts and congresses are held here. There was a restaurant on the terrace for a while.
The structures are surrounded by the Augustus Bridge, a masterpiece of architecture for which the Elbe River is famous. Behind it are two Catholic churches, completely destroyed by the Second World War, but recreated in their original form. Today, you can also admire the opera house there, also restored after the fire of 1868. The Elbe River has another miracle, which has been dubbed a monument of industrial culture. A large metal bridge called the Blue Bridge connected the two villages, making it easier to cross between them.
The Elbe River is mentioned in the oldest writings of the Greek geographer Strabo. Back in the eighteenth year of our era, he drew it on his map in the center of Europe and called it Elfre. This word has Old Norse roots and means a fast-flowing river. However, modern researchers doubt that the name of the main river of Saxony is related to the Scandinavian language. If only because the Elba has no access to the B altic Sea and Scandinavia. Most scientists believe that the toponym comes from the word "albo", which translates as "light, white." Or from the Gallic word "albis" (meaning "white water"), the Latin "albis" (that is, "light") or the Celtic "elb" - "river".
Be that as it may, one thing is clear: the mighty Elbe River (on the map it can be found in the center of Europe) adorns our planet. It is not only the pearl of the city of Dresden, but also the heart of Saxony.
