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Semper built his first opera house on Theaterplatz square in the years 1838/41, though this building already burned down in 1869. Pressure from the people of Dresden persuaded him to create a second opera house between 1871 and 1878. Following the style of the Italian High Renaissance, the Semper Opera House is the culmination of theatre architecture in the 19th century. Thanks to its exquisite acoustics and opulent interior decoration it is still today one of the best known opera houses in the world. Following its destruction in the Second World War it was rebuilt in its original form between 1977 and 1985. Artists recreated the lavish painted interior under the most complicated conditions. Magnificent vestibules, staircases and foyers connect the entrance hall and the auditorium.

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The Dresden Palace was the residence and seat of government of the Saxon princes and kings from the 13th century until 1918. During this period it underwent various changes. The reconstruction, which is slowly entering its final stages, has paid great attention to maintaining the rich variety of architecture from Romanesque to Baroque. The dominant palace tower was built around 1400. The last major rebuilding, which created a closed, magnificent complex, was completed at the end of the last century. It was at this time that the palace with its corner towers and Renaissance gables acquired the appearance being recreated today. The Georgentor Gate faces the river between the palace proper and the royal mews. The beautiful Renaissance building once linked the old Elbe gate with the royal quarters. Two stern sandstone watchmen still overlook the passage through the gate.