Hard to believe, but almost 70 years after World War II Dresden has leftovers from the bombing of February 1945. Just this week another aerial bomb has been discovered in the ground when construction work was going on in the Pirnaische Vorstadt. 2500 people had to be evacuated because of the 250kg explosives that lay not even a kilometre away from the Frauenkirche. Fortunately, it was found early in the afternoon so that inhabitants were able to return safely to their apartments in the late afternoon.
Two and a half years ago I myself was also subject to such an evacuation – not knowing it, because I wasn’t at home when the bomb was found. I had spent the day with friends and intended to take the tram home. When I arrived at Dresden main station in order to change, the traffic information display announced “Bomb discovered in Südvorstadt”, forbidding me to continue my way home. It was a weird feeling to know that all my important documents, my clarinet and of course everything that I needed for a good night’s sleep were in my apartment, less than a hundred meters away from the bomb. All I could do was to turn back and ask some friends for shelter. Luckily, the bomb was successfully deactivated this night and I could return to an intact home the following morning
So here is the good news for the anxious – be assured that in the touristic city center there will very unlikely be any further bomb discoveries! The entire area between Frauenkirche and palace was examined archealogical for several times, so any explosives would have been found already. Also, the main shopping area along Prager Strasse has seen so many construction sites during the past decades that any remains of World War II have definitely been removed. Therefore, we invite you to enjoy a carefree time in Dresden!