Dresden is stunningly beautiful. After the bombing in 1945 the centre was just a heap of rubble and the rebuilding didn't begin in earnest until after German unification in 1990. The Coventry Cross of Nails is a poignant symbol of the city's rebirth.
Dresden airport is very small. There are flights from Stansted to Leipzig/Halle, which is 1½ hours away on the fastest train. The fastest train from Berlin does the journey in under 2 hours and from Prague just over 2.
I agree, Dresden is a shining example of how a city can rebuild itself after being razed to the ground. It has a truly interesting history other than its wartime experience as well as being the capital of Saxony. A river trip on the Elbe is a pleasant way to pass a couple of hours and yes, the Cross of Nails is a very interesting story. A trip to the top of the Church in the city centre gives a splendid view of the city and its surrounds.
We were there in 2010, flew into Berlin Shoenefeld and then rail to Dresden, just over two hours. Taxi prices were average not too expensive. Meissen isn't too far away either.
I'm sorry but I can't remember the author but I read a very good book about Dresden and what it went through over those two nights in February 1944. Harrowing stuff indeed.