Erlwein-Villa

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Did you ever hear of a house with two names? Here at the corner of Reicker and Rayskistraße, nestled within a sprawling 14,000-square-meter park, sits the Erlwein-Villa. Sometimes, it’s also known by the address Elsa-Brändström-Straße 13. This Italian Renaissance-style mansion, the Erlwein-Villa, was built in 1869. Its first owner, Ernst Ludwig Aulhorn, was a prominent Dresden entrepreneur, the owner of the Petzold & Aulhorn chocolate factory in Löbtau. The Erlwein-Villa’s namesake, Dresden city architect Hans Erlwein, resided here from 1904 until his death in 1914. He didn’t own the villa, he rented it. During his tenure, Erlwein shaped Dresden’s cityscape, designing around 150 buildings. His signature style emphasized practicality, clarity, and integration with the surroundings. He moved beyond the prevailing historicism of the time. The Erlwein-Villa then witnessed a dramatic shift in occupants after 1945. The Red Army seized it, housing Soviet officers. From 1946 to 1948, or possibly until 1952, it became the home of Professor Hermann Kastner, a state leader of the LDPD and Saxon Minister of Justice. Then, from 1952 to 1995, the Erlwein-Villa took on a new role, serving the community as a kindergarten. After that, the grand old house stood empty, until a revival began in the spring of 2018. The Franz Holzapfel Group took ownership and began extensive renovations, breathing new life back into the Erlwein-Villa and its neighboring coach house. This beautiful park surrounding the Erlwein-Villa is also part of the property.

After discovering the story of Erlwein-Villa in Dresden, you may wonder how to explore even more of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Explory makes it simple: our digital guide gives you instant access to the city’s culture, history, and unique atmosphere. With our interactive city guide, you can uncover the background of Dresden while following engaging routes designed for curious travelers. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying longer, Explory transforms your visit into a personalized city tour that connects stories with places in an intuitive way. Explory is more than just an ordinary travel tool – it is your companion for deeper exploration of Dresden. Each guide combines expert storytelling with easy navigation, allowing you to discover well-known highlights and hidden gems that most visitors overlook. With the city guide, you can plan your route across landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural spots, all enriched by immersive audio storytelling. Our audio guide brings the atmosphere of Dresden directly to your ears, making each step of your journey more meaningful. Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, history, or everyday culture, Explory helps you connect with the spirit of Dresden. The carefully curated guide highlights what makes this city special, while the interactive city tour lets you explore on your own terms. Thanks to our focus on exploration and unique hidden gems, you’ll enjoy a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. Explory turns every visit into a memorable adventure where stories and places come alive. Download the Explory App now to continue your journey beyond Dresden. Inside the app, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories waiting for you. Whether you are searching for a smart audio guide, planning your next city tour, or simply looking for inspiration through a rich guide, Explory is your key to exploring the world differently. Start today and unlock the full potential of Dresden with Explory – your ultimate travel companion.

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