Germany reporter
Getty Images Bridge over the Elbe River under construction. In the background across the river is the city centre, including the Frauenkirche and other landmarks.Getty Images
The bomb was found near the Carola Bridge, which is being rebuilt after collapsing into the river in 2024.
An unexploded British World War Two bomb in Dresden has been defused, police in Germany say.
Much of the centre of the city was evacuated after the 250kg (551lb) device was discovered near the former Carola Bridge, which collapsed in the Elpe River in 2024.
At 15:10 (14:10 GMT) on Wednesday, specialists from the explosive ordnance disposal service removed the detonator from the bomb and then blew it up.
The fire brigade in Dresden said it was the city's largest evacuation to date, affecting around 18,000 residents, tourists and commuters.
Much of the old town was cordoned off.
Most of the city was out of bounds, including famous buildings such as the Frauenkirche Lutheran church, the Residenzschloss Palace and the Semper Opera.
The police headquarters, Saxony's state parliament, several ministries, retirement and nursing homes, daycare centres and other social institutions were also in the evacuated area.
After a safety check and the all-clear, residents can return home with traffic restrictions also lifted.
The bomb will be taken to the central collection point in Zeithain for disposal.
Authorities provided emergency accommodation at the Dresden Exhibition Centre from 07:00 (06:00 GMT), with additional buses and trams running to this location.
Dresden was attacked by British aircraft on 13 February 1945. In the days that followed, the British and their US allies dropped nearly 4,000 tons of bombs in the assault on the city.
The ensuing firestorm killed 25,000 people and ravaged the city centre, once known as the Jewel Box because of its Baroque and Rococo architecture.
Four other bombs were found during demolition work on the Carola Bridge last year.
Last month Dresdeners marked the 81st anniversary of the bombing campaign.
The attack on Dresden is one of the most controversial Allied acts of World War Two. Some say it was strategically justified. Others argue it was a war crime.
It took many years before the renowned Semper Opera and Frauenkirche were rebuilt.
A British tenor, Stephen Chaundy, who is currently working at the Semper Oper, told the BBC that rehearsals for Wednesday had been cancelled.
Reflecting on the British bombing of Dresden in World War Two, he said: "The past casts a long shadow."
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