Altmarkt (Old Market Square), Dresden

Altmarkt (Old Market Square), Dresden

Old Market Square has been a vital part of Dresden since the 13th century. Old Market Square has hosted markets, games, and festivals throughout its history.

World War II bombs destroyed the historical square. It has since been reconstructed according to historical plans. The Dresden Palace of Culture was completed in 1969 and features modern architecture with a dynamic symmetrical trapezoid roof. The rest of the buildings were reconstructed to continue to Baroque architectural heritage.

Landmark buildings include the Old Market House (Haus Altmarkt) and the 92-meter-high (302-foot) Holly Cross Church (Kreuzkirche).

Visitors will find several interesting plaques in the square. A commemorative plaque dedicated to German poet and writer Ludwig Tieck is displayed on Tieck's former home at the corner of Old Market Square and Kreuz Street (Kreuzstrasse). Tieck was one of the founding fathers of the Romantic movement in the late 18th and early 19th centuries

Visitors will also find a bronze plaque commemorating the 1849 May Uprising in the northwest corner. A plaque commemorates the market's post-war foundation stone can be found on the square's west side. Finally, a small embedded memorial featuring a two-line inscription is dedicated to the people who died in Dresden during World War II.

Old Market Square hosts the annual Dresden Autumn Festival and the Dresden Christmas Market. Dresden's Christmas Market is one of the oldest in the world and has been held since 1434. The square hosts a huge Christmas tree and a 14-meter high (46-foot) pyramid.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dresden. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Altmarkt (Old Market Square) on Map

Sight Name: Altmarkt (Old 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 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.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles