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Celebrating Dresden's Frauenkirche

October 28, 2005

Destroyed during the final months of World War II, Dresden's Church of Our Lady has been rebuilt to its former glory during the past decade, serving as a symbol of reconciliation in reunited Germany.

https://p.dw.com/p/7MIW
The city's resurrected landmarkImage: dpa - Bildfunk

"A magnificent new building."

That's what one Dresden visitor called the Frauenkirche shortly after its completion in 1743. More than two and a half centuries later and 60 years after the church's destruction, the city will celebrate its resurrection with a consecration service on Sunday.

After more than a decade of construction and millions of euros in private donations, the "stone bell" once again towers over the city's skyline.

Read more about the church's storied past, present and future in this DW-WORLD dossier.

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Reports & Analysis

Stone by Stone

A significant masterpiece of European architecture, the Dresden Church of Our Lady, is being rebuilt after heavy Allied bombing destroyed the cathedral during World War II. It is a unique symbol of reconciliation.
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The Destruction of Dresden's Frauenkirche

As the final stones are put in place in Dresden's Frauenkirche, long-time residents of the city recall their horrifying memories when Allied bombers destroyed the city.
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A New Cupola for Dresden's Frauenkirche

Fifty-nine years after it was destroyed in the Allied bombing in World War II, the Church of Our Lady in Dresden finally had its cupola and gilded cross replaced at a ceremony on Tuesday.
June 23, 2004

Landmark Dresden Church Completes Rise From the Ashes

Dresden's Frauenkirche, a symbol of the suffering of German civilians after its destruction in World War II bombing and now of reconciliation, was consecrated Sunday after painstaking restoration.
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Remembering Dresden

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Blowing a Trumpet for the Frauenkirche

Ludwig Güttler is one of the world's most successful trumpet virtuosos. From the former East Germany, he also played a key role in the campaign to reconstruct Dresden's landmark Frauenkirche, or Church of our Lady.
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A Baroque Beauty Rebuilt

It's resurrection a symbol for all of reunited Germany, Dresden's Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady will be consecrated Sunday. A visit in pictures.
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