Cultural Highlights from Germany
Exploring four of Germany’s Magic Cities gave me the opportunity to see medieval architecture, detailed stone figures and elements of local life. Here are a few highlights representing global art and culture throughout the country.
Dresden
After sailing along the Elbe River to reach Castle Pillnitz, we visited the Old Masters Picture Gallery where the Sistine Madonna resides along with other well-known artwork.
If I had to recommend one not-to-miss place in Dresden, it would definitely be the Residenzschloss (Royal Palace) to see the New Green Vault and the Turkish Chamber. The amount of detail put into these items is truly unbelievable. I especially enjoyed seeing the avant-garde armor used on horses, as seen in the Turkish Chamber.
Leipzig
Currently featuring an interactive Music Trail, Leipzig is a city dating back to the Middle Ages and is home to a slew of world-renowned musicians including Bach, Wagner, Schumann and Mendelssohn.
However, I what impressed me the most in Leipzig was an in-depth tour of the Memorial Museum in the Round Corner, the former headquarters of the Stasi police. Learning about how many lives were negatively affected by the Stasi gave me a deeper insight into East Germany during this time.
Nuremberg
Most people who visit Nuremberg think back to the WWII war crime trials but this city actually dates back to the Middle Ages, which is clearly seen through the architectural design of its buildings and churches.
We spent about two hours going through the temporary “The Early Dürer” exhibit at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, a major reason to visit Nuremberg in the next few months. Many people are unaware that Albrecht Dürer is from Nuremberg so this exhibit hopes to make more people aware of the city’s art history.
Frankfurt
Artistic bohemians should take note that Frankfurt’s strategic city design includes over 23 museums all located along the River Main, making it quick and easy to go from one to another.
We had an in-depth tour of the Film Museum, which I must say was very interesting and well laid out. We also stopped by specific monuments to learn more about the history of the city and the multi-cultural local community. Similar to other Magic Cities, Frankfurt was also re-built to its original appearance after massive destruction.
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15 Comments
I’ve spent some time in Germany, but have never made it to any of these four. I’ll have to do something about that on my next trip through!
Laurence recently posted..In photos: the 2012 Occitan Piégut Félibrée!
I think you will!
Megan recently posted..Cultural Highlights from Germany
I have never been to Dresden but Leipzig is a great place to visit.
Christine recently posted..Things To Do Around Lake Achensee in Austria
I enjoyed Leipzig. I hope you make it to Dresden one day too!
Megan recently posted..Cultural Highlights from Germany
I wouldn’t know which one to choose!
Brock – Backpack With Brock recently posted..Snapshot: Florence, Italy – My First Italian City
You could choose all of them!
Megan recently posted..Cultural Highlights from Germany
I’ve been to Germany a few times but you’ve shown me I have much more to see! Would love to visit Liepzig and think of all those musical luminaries.
Natasha von Geldern recently posted..Australia’s Top End: Outback pubs
Glad I could help Natasha! I hope you make it to Leipzig one day.
Megan recently posted..Finnish Bike Fashion
I have spent quite a bit of time in Germany but never to any of these places… but I guess I mostly only visited the North so that might be why
Jade Johnston – OurOyster.com recently posted..Australia – Great Ocean Road Tips
I had never visited these cities either – actually I had only been to Munich before this trip. If you get the change you should at least see Dresden – so beautiful by night!
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Highlights from Finland
You explored all of these 4 cities? Wowee! How long were you there? I’d love to see more of your photos. Do you have a gallery on Flickr or anywhere else?
Hey Tyler – yes I did! You can click to my flickr from my home page
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Gardens, Goats and Great Views
Awesome! Thank yoU
We’ve never made it to Germany. Thanks for overview on these four cities
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..ECO NEWS: U.S. Announces Major Jaguar Conservation Projects
no problem Mary! Hopefully you two make it there this year
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..The Mighty Fjords in Photos