Dresden often referred to as the Florence on the Elbe has picturesque surroundings. Its landscape have been recognized as UNESCO heritage. The valley of the river Elbe from Bad Schandau at the Bohemian border dawn river to the area around Meissen. The upper part of the valley is known as Saxony's Switzerland because of the sandstone cliffs, which provided the building material for the monuments in Meissen and Dresden. The wide river Elbe flows through the old town of Pirna and meanders through Dresden, dividing the town into two halves. By the time it passes Castle Pillnitz, there are wineyards on both sides and then it flows past Radebeul and Loessnitz, boarded by vineyards and gardens rich in culture. On the left bank rises the monumental castle and cathedral of Meissen. Here in Meissen the world famous and precious china is being manufacted. Last world war Dresden was bombed, terrible damage to the famaous historical buildings. But the world famous collection of paintings in the Dresden gallery has been preserved. The treasures of the " Grüne Gewölbe" and the paintings in the "Neue Meister" gallery can still be viewed. The Zwinger, the unique castle with its orangery, the catholic Court Church, the Kreuzkirche, the Japanese Palace and Semper Opera House have been rebuilt and it is still possible to enjoy the delights of castles like Moritzburg and Pillnitz with their parks and gardens. And a particular joy for Dresden fans are the successful rebuildings.