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The Miracle of Dresden: Frauenkirche celebrates 20 years of reconstruction!
Learn about the eventful history of the Frauenkirche in Dresden, its destructive demise in 1945 and the impressive reconstruction until 2005.
The Miracle of Dresden: Frauenkirche celebrates 20 years of reconstruction!
When you stroll through the picturesque streets of Dresden, you will inevitably be drawn to the impressive Frauenkirche. A true baroque jewel that was ceremoniously inaugurated on October 30, 2005 after over 60 years of destruction and reconstruction. As the World reports, the reconstruction is considered a miracle that was not only made possible by tireless civic spirit, but also represents a strong symbol of hope and reconciliation.
The history of the Frauenkirche goes back a long way. Originally built in the 11th century as a Catholic church, it was converted into a Protestant church during the Reformation. The Frauenkirche owes its current baroque appearance to the architect Georg Bähr, whose church, built between 1726 and 1743, boasted one of the largest domes in Europe, the famous “Stone Bell”. However, this dome fell victim to the air raid on Dresden on February 15, 1945 ( Wikipedia ). This tragedy occurred when the dome collapsed in temperatures of over 1000°C after the internal pillars could no longer support the weight. Strangely enough, there were no injuries as everyone had gotten to safety.
A long road to recovery
After the war, the ruins remained visible for almost 50 years, and the mayor Walter Weidauer and the SED initially rejected reconstruction. Nevertheless, a citizens' initiative was formed in the late 1980s that called for reconstruction. An appeal was launched in 1990, but was initially rejected. Nevertheless, the people of Dresden managed to collect 180 million euros for reconstruction, largely through donations and the sale of merchandise ( GermanHistoryDocs ).
The foundation stone for the reconstruction was finally laid in May 1994. Engineer Eberhard Burger took over the management of the project and around 4,500 cubic meters of old stone were carefully integrated into the new building. The exterior renovation was completed in 2004, and a year later the Frauenkirche was ready for the ceremonial inauguration. Federal President Horst Köhler praised the reconstruction as a sign of community spirit and optimism. Around 60,000 people watched the ceremony live on Neumarkt, with many millions more watching on television.
A landmark of the city
Today the Frauenkirche is more than just a religious building; it is a magnet for tourists from all over the world. In the first three years after the reopening, seven million people visited the church. This impressive building is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a living symbol of reconstruction and the courage of Dresden's citizens. Even the new golden cross on the dome, made by British craftsmen, is a reminder of the international solidarity and the common will to leave the past behind.
Today the Frauenkirche shines again in its old splendor and captivates people. It is more than just a building - it is a living history book that embodies the ups and downs of the city of Dresden, always willing to remind us of the importance of solidarity and hope.