Neumarkt (New Market Square), Dresden

Neumarkt (New Market Square), Dresden

New Market Square (Neumarkt), located in the heart of Dresden, is a historically significant square that has experienced extensive transformations over the centuries. Originally established on a slight elevation above the flood-prone Elbe River, this area began as a small village surrounding the Frauenkirche. It became part of the fortified city in 1530 when Dresden expanded its walls, distinguishing itself from the Altmarkt, which was centered around the Kreuzkirche.

The New Market flourished during the reign of August II the Strong, a period marked by the adoption of the Baroque architectural style. This era saw the construction of the current Frauenkirche and numerous surrounding structures. The square further evolved in the 18th century following damage from the Seven Years' War, with many buildings being restored or reconstructed in the Rococo/Late Baroque style.

By the 19th and early 20th centuries, the New Market Square underwent few changes, with significant renovations such as the completion of the Johanneum in 1873 and the construction of the Albertinum and the Academy of Fine Arts by the late 1800s. However, the area was nearly obliterated during the Allied bombing in World War II.

Following the war, Dresden fell under Soviet control and later became part of the German Democratic Republic. During this time, parts of the square were reconstructed in a Socialist Realist style, and some historic buildings were partially rebuilt. However, many plots remained undeveloped.

The Neumarkt is now divided into eight "quarters," each considered a separate project in terms of reconstruction. The approach is to rebuild buildings either entirely as they were or at least to replicate the original facades. As of 2020, most quarters are complete, with only Quarter III and Quarter VII still under construction, signaling a near-complete revival of this storied square.

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Neumarkt (New Market Square) on Map

Sight Name: Neumarkt (New Market Square)
Sight Location: Dresden, Germany (See walking tours in Dresden)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Dresden, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Dresden

Create Your Own Walk in Dresden

Creating your own self-guided walk in Dresden is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dresden's Architectural Jewels

Dresden's Architectural Jewels

If there is one thing Dresden is particularly famous for, it is the magnificent architecture. Although known primarily for its Baroque buildings, the city has several other architectural styles present too, such as Renaissance, Historicism, Modernism and Post-modernism.

Much of downtown Dresden was destroyed in February 1945 by Allied bombing, which in turn prompted the rebuilding of the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Dresden Introduction Walking Tour

Dresden Introduction Walking Tour

Dresden was likely settled on the banks of the River Elbe by Neolithic tribes as far back as 7,500 BC. But it also has a long and storied history as the long-time capital of Saxony. The Electors and Kings lived here for centuries, appointing the city with every cultural and artistic treasure.

Its modern form--and its name--comes from early Germanic people, who expanded East to mine the Ore...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Dresden New Town Walk

Dresden New Town Walk

The Neustadt (New Town) of Dresden is a central district located on the north bank of the Elbe. Despite the name, this part of the city is not at all new and has been inhabited for as long as the Old Town on the opposite side of the river. Its “novelty” derives from "Neue Königliche Stadt" (New Royal Town), which is the title given to the area, formerly the district of Altendresden,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles