The Kreuzkirche is one of the largest churches in Saxony and one of the oldest buildings in Dresden. Many of Dresden's attractions have an ancient, mysterious or tragic history, and the Kreuzkirche is all of these at the same time. The Church of the Holy Cross was burned, destroyed and rebuilt many times. Over its history, it changed its appearance and architectural style several times. Each of them left their mark on the modern building, in which today you can find five styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Classical and Art Nouveau.
Kreuzkirche is the main evangelical church of Dresden. Its history begins in 1168, when a Romanesque basilica stood on this site, named after St. Nicholas. After the Austrian princess Constance von Babenberg gave the church a relic of the Holy Cross (part of the cross on which Jesus Christ was nailed), the church became known as the Church of the Holy Cross, or Kreuzkirche (kreuz - cross, kirche - church).
The temple was destroyed five times due to fire or other reasons. The last time this happened was during World War II, during the bombing of Dresden. Reconstruction was carried out in 1950-1955. The architect Fritz Steudner retained the tower and part of the façade of the previous building. Now the Kreuzkirche can accommodate 3,000 people. 200 thousand people visit it annually.
The modern monumental Kreuzkirche building in the classicist style consists of two floors. The bell tower of the basilica is 94 meters high and is built on the model of the Dresden Hofkirche. There is an observation deck at an altitude of 54 meters. Before you get there, you will have to climb a long staircase. Donors' names are listed at each stage. Most of them are anonymous.
You can see the city from above:
The new tower clock was made in 1930. Its diameter is 3 meters. The bells are preserved from the building of the XVII century. They are generally recognized as producing the clearest and most sonorous voices in all of Germany.
The interior is simple:
This is what the altar looks like:
Above it you can see the painting “The Crucifixion of Christ”, created by Anton Dietrich in 1900, which miraculously survived the fire of 1945.
One of the main shrines of the Kreuzkirche is the cross of three nails with which Jesus was crucified.
This is the organ of the Kreuzkirche:
It stands out for its size. It has many registers, which makes it possible to perform the most complex work. Kreuzkirch regularly hosts organ music concerts with the participation of organists from around the world.
The Church of the Holy Cross is actively involved in the musical and social life of Dresden. Another main attraction of Dresden and Kreuzkirche is the choir of singing boys, which has a 700-year (!) history and tradition. You can listen to especially beautiful choral concerts during Christmas week.
Kreuzkirche is a working cathedral, open every day until 18:00. Admission is free.
Climbing to the observation deck is paid. Ticket price: for adults - 5 euros, for schoolchildren and students - 2.50 euros, for children 6-14 years old, for holders of a Dresden Welcome Card or Dresden City Card - 1.50 euros.
Kreuzkirche address: An der Kreuzkirche 6.
To get to Kreuzkirche, use: tram No. 1, 2, 4 - stop Altmarkt, or by tram No. 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, also by bus No. 62 - stop Prager Straße.
Kreuzkirche official website: kreuzkirche-dresden.de.
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