Untermarkt square and other Görlitz, Germany Things to Do Tips

The Untermarkt square is the heart of medieval Görlitz. It is surrounded by magnificent Gothic and Renaissance style patrician houses.

All these houses are preserved ORIGINALLY - also inside, not only facades.

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Address: Untermarkt
Directions: centre of the old town, near the Neisse river.

The oldest parts of the town hall were built in the 14th century. 1511-16 the tower was erected.

1537/38 the staircase with announcement pulpit was constructed. It is a fantastic work of Renaissance art of Wendel Roskopf T.E. and became a symbol for Görlitz.

The column with the sculpture of Justitia is another Renaissance masterpiece, dating from 1591. Please note: Justitia has no eye-band!

Above the staircase you can see the coat of arms of Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary and Bohemia 1443-1490.

High on the spire you can see the famous clock (1584) by the local Bartholomäus Scultetus.

Don't hesitate to go inside and see some beautiful rooms: the small hall with beautiful wooden panels and ceiling, sculpture portals etc. (164 - 66), ask for a visit of the archive (16th century architecture) with interesting old documents etc.

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Address: Untermarkt

Schönhof is one of the beautiful patrician houses surrounding the Untermarkt square. It is the oldest bourgeois Renaissance building in Germany - and one of the most beautiful. It was built on remains of a Gothic house (devastated in a firestorm) in 1526.

The facade is already perfectly restored. The restoration inside is still in process. Once finished it will house a regional museum (expected 2005).

The neighbouring house (an old Renaissance house as well) is already completely restored. A small museum shows some exhibits there.
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10-17 h

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Phone: 03581/87 91 - 0
Address: Untermarkt

The Bible House is another magnificent patrician Renaissance house. It was built in 1570/72.

The sculptured facade shows scenes from the Bible: the lower row stories of the Old Testament, the upper row stories of the New Testament. So people used to call the facade a "street altar".

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Address: Neißstrasse 29
Directions: From Untermarkt square down to the Neisse river.

Another Patrician House, this one an example for a Baroque style house. It was built 1727 - 29 in the style of Leipzig's Traders houses.

In this well-preserved building you find a museum, home of a scientific library and other collections. The original interior alone is worth a visit.

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Phone: 03581/67 14 17
Address: Neißstrasse 30
Directions: From Untermarkt down to the Neisse river

This church is an outstanding example of a Gothic five nave hall-type church. It was built 1423 - 97. The splendid Romanesque western portal of the previous church was included in the construction.

The crypt is a gem of sacral Gothic architecture in Germany. After a fire in 1691 the church was re-decorated mostly in Baroque style. Highlights are the sculptured pulpit (1693), the organ (restored by Mathis Orgelbau AG Näfels/Switzerland 1997) and a stained glass window (1893).

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Address: An der Peterskirche
Directions: On the hill above the Neisse river, north of the Untermarkt.

This church was originally part of the Franciscan convent. It was built in 14/15th century. The monks' choir (1371/81) is the oldest Gothic style building in Görlitz. All the great works of art inside are well preserved.

To name some of the highlights: Sta. Barbara chapel with tombs, sculptures and late Gothic altar, the High altar in the choir, Renaissance pulpit, frescos in the cloisters.

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Address: Obermarkt square
Directions: centre of the old town

Another beautiful example of Gothic architecture. It was built 1459-73. The sculptured western portal is probably the highlight. Inside you won't find a lot of works of art, but the over-all impression of the three-nave hall is very contemplative and full of dignity.

On workdays prayers are held at noon (incl. organ play).

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Address: An der Frauenkirche
Directions: Right between the old town and the Founder time quarter, in the city centre.

Reichenbach Tower was part of the fortifications. It was built approx. 1300. The original gothic top was replaced 1782 by a Baroque cap. The nearby city gate was deconstructed 1848.

The tower is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Germany. Inside you can climb up 165 steps, explore the former tower guard's rooms and enjoy the fantastic views from the top. Today it is part of the city museum - as well as Kaisertrutz and Patrician House Neißstrasse 30. One ticket for all three buildings Euro 3

Opening hours: May - Oct, Tue - Sun 10-17 h

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Phone: 03581/67 14 17
Address: Grüner Graben
Directions: city centre

The Kaisertrutz is an impressive remainder of the fortifications. It was built in late 15th century.

In 1931 it became home of the city museum. Inside you find a permanent exhibit of secular and religious works of art and an exhibit on the history of Görlitz.

For tickets and opening hours see my tip: Reichenbach Tower

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Phone: 03581/67 14 17
Address: Grüner Graben
Directions: Old town, city centre