Theaterplatz (Theatre Square), Dresden

Theaterplatz (Theatre Square), Dresden

The Theatre Square (Theaterplatz) in Dresden is a significant and historic square located west of the city's inner old town. The square is famously positioned in front of the Dresden Semperoper (Semper Opera House), the esteemed former court theater from which it derives its name. Theatre Square stretches between the Post Office (Postplatz) and the Augustus Bridge, directly bordering the elevated banks of the Elbe River. This prime location offers a sweeping view across the Elbe and into the lush expanse of the Dresdner Heath, especially notable from the approach to the Augustus Bridge.

Architecturally, the Theatre Square is surrounded by significant buildings, each with its historical and cultural importance. To the north, the Italian Village, designed by Hans Erlwein, marks one of the newer additions to the square. From here, visitors can also view the Erlwein Storage (Erlweinspeicher), a noted technical structure. The southeast side of the square features the only fully baroque building in the area, the Dresden Cathedral, separated from the expansive Dresden Castle by a small alley. The castle itself has undergone extensive expansions and redesigns over time.

The south-southwest side of the square showcases the Semper Gallery, adorned with a Neorenaissance façade, while the northwest side is dominated by the most celebrated structure in the square, the Semper Opera House. This opera house, designed by Gottfried Semper, stands as the third iteration of the building at this location, cementing its historical and cultural significance.

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Theaterplatz (Theatre Square) on Map

Sight Name: Theaterplatz (Theatre 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 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
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