Dresden Guide, Germany. Information Tourism. Dresden was known as both the 'Florence of the North' and the 'Venice of the River Elbe' before the allied bombings at the end of World War II destroyed most of this once magnificent Baroque city. But Dresden has managed to restore much of its former glory. The views from the banks of the Elbe and plentiful architectural delights, such as the rebuilt Frauenkirche or the famous Semper Opera, provide glimpses...