The towns of Dessau and Roßlau were united as one in 2007. So, though divided by the River Elbe, Dessau-Roßlau is now considered a beautiful city with that much more to offer visitors.
Dessau has an industrial history that incorporates the building of gas motors and full metal airplanes. But if you think Dessau-Roßlau is all about industrialism and commerce, you’ve got another think coming.
This is also the land of the famous Bauhaus style of architecture. Many buildings here belong on the World Cultural Heritage list, such as the Bauhaus Dessau and the Meisterhäuser, or Master’s House.
In fact, the whole stunning landscape bordered by the Elbe and the Munde Rivers incorporating lush meadows and woods has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This should give you inkling as to the delicate beauty of this land.
The Garden Realm is the veritable paradise that you keep hearing about. It includes about six splendid parks up to Woerlitz. Then there are the fabulous palaces. The Luisium, Georgium, and Mosigkau are located in Dessau and are all open to the public.
In the other part of town are the Oranienbaum, the Woerlitz, and the Felseninsel Stein each having unique attractions of its own.
Roßlau has a 13th century water castle you really have to visit. It stands on the Elbe amid picturesque surrounds. More buildings by the famous architect Bandauer are to be found here. The Innungsbrauhaus and the Cemetery Gateway are of immense historic value.
The town has its share of exciting culture that will enthrall you. The Threepenny Opera at the Kurt Weill Center is a good place to start your culture hunt. The Center also houses a museum dedicated to the famous composer who was born in Dessau. The Technical Museum and the Anhalt Theater should satiate your thirst for culture in Dessau-Roßlau.
