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.