"Görlitz - A Forgotten Jewel" Görlitz by Kathrin_E

Görlitz Travel Guide: 270 reviews and 959 photos

Görlitz looks as if it has been forgotten by the 20th century. Neither the World War nor Socialism has done significant damage to the old town. It has simply been left the way it was.

For which we can be glad!!!

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Renaissance portals

Buildings were in the state of decay but they are still there. Görlitz's old town with its historical houses, many of them of medieval origins, has survived. Not only the facades but complete houses with their interiors.
Around the old centre we find huge, still complete and intact late 19th century quarters, a bit further to the outskirts the town has just as huge and just as intact art nouveau (Jugendstil) quarters. There is hardly any other city or town in the whole of Germany that compares with Görlitz.

Conservation

Postage stamp: Old Town Görlitz

Already in DDR times, dedicated monument conservators fought for the preservation of this invaluable cultural heritage. Since the German reunification a lot of restoration work has been done. Almost four thousand buildings in town are listed as protected monuments - four of them are shown on this stamp which was issued in 2003.

The result is a unique jewel, a 'must' for anyone who is interested in architecture and history.

My first visit was only a day trip from Dresden in 2008. One day just isn't enough. So I planned another visit for next December, staying for four nights this time, to see more of the town and its surroundings and to take in some Silesian Advent atmosphere. Again, not enough...

Last visit to Görlitz: Dec 2010
Intro Updated Jan 6, 2011
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Reviews (29)

Chapel of the Unction and Sepulchre - Görlitz

The Holy Sepulchre Things to Do (20)

The Holy Sepulchre is a medieval copy of the holy sites in Jerusalem. In 1464 the mayor Georg Emmerich was forced to do... more travel advice

Jesus Bakery and station of the Way of the Cross - Görlitz

The Way of the Cross Things to Do (20)

The Way of the Cross through the old town of Görlitz has been established in pre-reformation times but it is still in... more travel advice

Church of St Peter and Paul Things to Do (20)

The late gothic Church of St Peter and Paul with its two spires is the main church in town and a predominant landmark,... more travel advice

Museum of History and Culture Things to Do (20)

Görlitz's Kulturgeschichtliches Museum occupies three addresses: Kaisertrutz, the adjacent Reichenbacher Turm, and the... more travel advice

Travelogues (6)

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Comments (7)

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ettiewyn Jul 6, 2012 at 11:49 PM

Hi Kathrin, a wonderful page about this gem of a town! Great info and pictures. I especially liked the picture of the beautiful organ!
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Jan 10, 2011 at 12:26 AM

Thank you Kathrin for bringing back memory about this wonderful city and showing how it looks like in winter! Loved your "Stinky Soft Foot Traps" tip. It's about us, haha!
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german_eagle Jan 8, 2011 at 4:12 AM

Fabulous page with excellent tips and pictures. Hm, snow has its pros and cons, eh? :-) The pix of the Christkindelmarkt are the best - and the snow adds to the ambience.
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goodfish Aug 15, 2010 at 4:41 PM

Great poop tip, Kathrin. I'm laughing so hard....
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Jefie Aug 15, 2010 at 1:40 PM

lol, watch your step indeed!
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BillNJ Dec 16, 2009 at 3:33 PM

Grand page about Görlitz. I especially like your tip and photo about the bridge to Poland.
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HORSCHECK Nov 22, 2008 at 1:38 PM

Kathrin, lovely intro photo of Görlitz. I would love to see your page about this interesting German city. I am looking forward to meeting you next weekend.