Bremen boasts a wealth of historical buildings from the Weser Renaissance period. The Roland statue and the town hall have earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status. In Bremen, “The Quarter” is the unassuming name of the charming district behind the Weser dike, where a diverse museum and cultural scene, along with cozy pubs, create a unique atmosphere. The Kunsthalle, the Gerhard Marcks House with its sculpture collection, the Bremen Theater, and the houses of Old Bremen, adorned with classical and art nouveau facades, make this district a visual delight. Artisan studios, boutiques, and shops offer wonderful exploration opportunities. Bremen boasts over 300 iconic cafes, bistros, bars, pubs, and restaurants, making it a diverse food haven.
Classical Music Extravaganza in a Historic Setting
Dresden’s rich historical backdrop comes alive with music for four weeks in May and June during the Dresden Music Festival, one of Europe’s largest classical music festivals. Orchestral concerts, chamber music performances, and renowned soloists grace the first-class program each year. The festival also features a diverse range of music, including old, new, world music, jazz, and dance. Dresden’s tradition as a hub for grand operas and ballets dates back to the Saxon court. With over 35 theaters, 50 museums, and home to renowned choirs and orchestras, Dresden is a world-class cultural city.
Grand Opera on Erfurt’s Cathedral Hill
Every year, during the Festival of the Cathedral Stairs, Erfurt’s old town transforms into an expansive open-air stage. Operas and musicals take center stage on the 70 steps of Cerro Catedral. The overture begins in front of the cathedral and the Severi church, setting the stage for an extraordinary evening. Performances in this historic setting have featured classics like Bizet’s Carmen, Puccini’s Tosca, and Verdi’s The Troubadour, as well as Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose, which premiered here as a musical. The cathedral hill, with its two ancient churches, harks back to the early Middle Ages and forms the heart of Thuringia’s state capital.
