Semperoper
One of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. Several operas by Wagner and Strauss premiered here. Visitors can attend a performance or join a guided tour inside.
The Semperoper stands on Theaterplatz. It is named after its architect, Gottfried Semper. The current building is the second opera house on the site, completed in 1878, after the first was destroyed by fire. It was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt to its original design, reopening in 1985. It is home to the Saxon State Opera and the Staatskapelle Dresden, one of the oldest orchestras in the world. Richard Strauss's Salome and Der Rosenkavalier and Wagner's The Flying Dutchman all premiered here. The interior is ornate, with faux-marble columns and the highlight, the huge Five-Minute Clock (Fünf-Minuten-Uhr). When there is no performance, you can join a guided tour of about 45 minutes. English-language tours are available, and tickets cost a little over ten euros. Check the official website for details. If you plan to attend a performance, book in advance on the official website. The cheapest seats are reasonably priced. Opposite the opera house are the Catholic Court Church and the Royal Palace. King John's equestrian statue stands in the center of the square.
Opening hours
Tours mostly daytime sessions; times vary with performances (check website)
Nearby sights
- Zwinger
- Dresden Castle & Green Vault
- Dresden Cathedral (Hofkirche)
- Procession of Princes
- Dresden Transport Museum
- Brühl's Terrace
- Altmarkt & Striezelmarkt
- Frauenkirche & Neumarkt