Situated on the Elbe River in the heart of historic and beautiful Saxon Germany, Dresden is a city in a constant state of flux. For years, the city stood as the home of German royalty and, for more than a century, as the seat of power for neighboring Poland. Dresden is the easternmost major German city and was a masterpiece of baroque architecture and design prior to World War II. During the last days of the war, the city was destroyed by a massive Allied firebombing campaign that left the old city in ruin and tens of thousands of Dresdeners dead. Today, the city's ambitious rebuilding program seeks to return the metropolis to its earlier splendor. Sightseeing opportunities include several royal palaces, the world-renowned Semper Opera House, and the baroque masterpiece, Zwinger. Across the Elbe River, the New City boasts fabulous restaurants, nightclubs, and international shopping destinations. When visiting the city, make time to shop for locally produced porcelain, which is the first type produced in Europe and remains one of the city's claims to fame.