The Elbe River City on the is Dresden, a city located in the German state of Saxony. It is situated on both banks of the Elbe River and is the capital of the Free State of Saxony. Dresden has a long history, having been founded as a Germanic settlement in the 9th century. It was an important cultural center during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and was heavily damaged during World War II. Today, Dresden is a major tourist destination, known for its architecture, art galleries, and museums.