Frauenkirche (Church of the Virgin Mary) in Dresden - a baroque church rebuilt after 50 years
Where is located Dresden Frauenkirche?
Address of Dresden Frauenkirche is Dresden, Germany
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When was built Dresden Frauenkirche?
Built date of Dresden Frauenkirche is 1726 - 1743
Facts, informations and history of Dresden Frauenkirche
The history of the church dates back to the 11th century, when the old church stood still in the same place. At the beginning of the 18th century, the church became too small for the growing population of the faithful in Dresden, so in 1722 the city council decided to build a new and larger building.
Dresden's chief carpenter, George Bähr, designed an impressive and 91-meter tall baroque church with a 23.5-meter-long stone dome. The building is 50 meters long and 42 meters wide.
The construction of the Frauenkirche church began in 1726, and was consecrated only seven years later.
The impressive dome, which was called the "stone bell", was completed in 1738 and consists of a double shell with two shields, they form the inner and outer dome. The dome weighed 12,000 tons and supported on eight supporting pillars.
This magnificent church was completed in 1743, after which, thanks to its dome, it quickly became a world-famous symbol of the city.
The church miraculously survived the heavy bombings and fire of February 13, 1945. Unfortunately, as a result of these attacks and partial damage, two days later (February 15, 1945) the sandstone building could not stand and did not manage to hold a 12,000-tonne dome and collapsed.
In the same year, the local church began a campaign to collect donations for the reconstruction of the Frauenkirche, but these efforts were stopped shortly after the end of the war. Forty-five years later, shortly after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the inhabitants of Dresden began a new initiative to reconstruct the most characteristic city building.
Soon after, the Saxon church and city authorities supported the initiative and in 1993 preparations for the reconstruction of the Frauenkirche began.
All remaining debris has been secured, so you can re-use many original stones. A total of 3643 stones were used for construction and can easily be identified on a newly-looking church: they have a much darker shade than new sandstones.
The circular nave is surrounded by galleries with a height of four storeys. The nave is covered with an inner dome, which is painted bright and depicts four virtues and four evangelists.
The bright altar was reconstructed in 2000, it was originally created in 1733-1739 by Johann Christian Feige and Benjamin Thomae. Baroque decorations on the altar show the figure of Christ on the mountain of olives. Above the altar there are church organs, decorated with equally rich baroque ornaments.
At the top of the dome there is an observation platform, and a ramp located between the outer and inner dome leads to it. You can admire the wonderful views of the city center and the Elbe river from here.
The Frauenkirche church was reconstructed using original plans from 1726. Colorful church paintings and artistically carved oak doors have been recreated using old wedding photographs. As a sign of reconciliation, the golden cross on top of the church was made by a British goldsmith whose father was an Allied pilot in air raids over Dresden.
On October 30, 2005, the consecration of the restored Frauenkirche church in Dresden took place.
Architect of Dresden Frauenkirche
How many meters have Dresden Frauenkirche?
Height of Dresden Frauenkirche is 91.23 meters


Construction/building type
Building Dresden Frauenkirche is of type Church
A church is a type of sacred building that acts as a place of prayer and religious practice within Christianity. The architecture of churches has evolved over the centuries, being influenced by different styles and historical periods. Below, I provide information on the precursors of church architecture, the most popular architectural styles and some well-known church buildings.... czytaj więcej.
Architectural style
Architectural style of Dresden Frauenkirche is Baroque
Baroque is one of the most important architectural styles that developed in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was characterised by grandeur, sumptuous detailing, symmetry and lighting effects. Below, I provide information on the precursors, key features and some well-known buildings in the Baroque style. ... czytaj więcej.
What material is the building made of?
Dresden Frauenkirche is made of the following materials: Sandstone
Cost
Build cost of Dresden Frauenkirche is 182.6 million Euros (including archaeological works, debris removal, construction preparation and taxes)
Other names
The building is also known by other common names or in the original language, i.e. Kościół Marii Panny w Dreźnie, Church of Our Lady
Questions and answers
Does Frauenkirche have bells?
Yes, Frauenkirche has bells. There are a total of three bells, one of which is placed in the dome and the other two in one of the bell towers.
Are there organ concerts held at Frauenkirche?
Yes, organ concerts are regularly held at Frauenkirche. The organs in this church are among the most significant and impressive in Europe.
Are there any legends associated with the construction of Frauenkirche?
Yes, there is a legend associated with the construction of Frauenkirche. According to the legend, when the church was being built, the builders made a pact with the devil to gain extra help. However, they tricked the devil, preventing him from entering the church.
Is it possible to visit the crypts at Frauenkirche?
Yes, visitors have the opportunity to explore the crypt at Frauenkirche, where graves and relics related to the church's history can be found.
Did Frauenkirche survive World War II?
No, Frauenkirche was destroyed during the bombing of Dresden in 1945. However, after the reunification of Germany, reconstruction work began, and it was completed in 2005.
Is Frauenkirche illuminated at night?
Yes, Frauenkirche is illuminated at night, highlighting its beauty and distinctive white facade. The night lighting makes the church even more picturesque, especially when dusk falls over the city.
Are there other tourist attractions near Frauenkirche?
Yes, there are other major tourist attractions near Frauenkirche, such as the Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House, and the famous Museum of Natural History. All these places are easily accessible from Frauenkirche.
Is Frauenkirche a popular spot for photographers?
Yes, Frauenkirche is a popular spot for photographers due to its unique architecture and historical significance. The church offers various perspectives to capture, especially during different times of the day and changing weather conditions.
Is it worth buying tickets online before visiting Frauenkirche?
Yes, buying tickets online before visiting Frauenkirche can help avoid long queues, especially during the tourist season. It also provides faster access to the church interior and other attractions.
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