Dreikönigskirche (Three Kings' Church), Dresden

The Church of the Three Kings is one of the most interesting Baroque churches in Dresden’s New Town. Evidence of churches standing on this site dates back to 1404, while a church dedicated to the Three Kings was first mentioned in 1421. The earlier building was destroyed by the great fire of 1685 and rebuilt, only to be demolished again in 1732 when Augustus the Strong planned the grand new avenue that became today’s Main Street.

The present church was built between 1732 and 1739 according to plans by Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann, with George Bähr responsible for the interior design. Interestingly, the church is not traditionally oriented east-west. Augustus the Strong insisted that its entrance face the new ceremonial avenue, placing the altar unusually at the western end. Due to a lack of funds, the church tower was not added until 1857. While on Main Street, approach the main entrance portal to admire the stone carvings depicting the Three Kings and the four Evangelists.

The church was badly damaged during the 1945 bombing of Dresden. Much of the building was destroyed, leaving only the façade and tower standing. Reconstruction did not begin until 1977, with the exterior restored to resemble the 18th-century church as closely as possible, while the interior was significantly modernised. Once you step through the front doorway into the modernised sanctuary, you can see the Dresden Dance of Death below the organ loft, on the church’s eastern wall. It is a stone relief depicting 27 figures-24 humans and three representations of Death. Among the human figures are Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and Duke George.

As a final highlight, take the elevator or stairs up to the 87-metre-high tower viewing platform for panoramic views over the rooftops of Dresden’s New Town.

The church offers a fascinating combination of Baroque architecture, royal urban planning, and wartime history. Today, the Church of the Three Kings is a listed cultural monument of Dresden and a worthwhile stop while exploring Main Street and the New Town.