Land Sachsen Travel Tips - Land Sachsen Travel Guide

The Rathaus
Yes, of course, that name when pronounced in English has connoitations that we will not elaborate on here.
Especially when it has one of my all time favourite staircases. I came upon it the first night I was there, had no idea what it was all about but decided I liked it and got the tripod and camera out.
It turns out that this ascent, between the south wing of the town hall (Rathaus) and its tower, dates back nearly 500 years and leads to the oriel-like proclamation pulpit (hear ye, hear ye). 52 years later, in 1591, the statue of Justitia was added, though mysteriously without the usual blindfold.
Was justice dispensed without beholding the person in question? We shall never know.
Above the staircase you may gaze upon the coat of arms of Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary and Bohemia 1443-1490.
It is also recommended that you venture inside and see some of the beautiful rooms, such as the small hall with attractive wooden panels and ceiling, sculpture portals etc., also, if you're German especially, ask for a visit to the archives (16th century architecture) with interesting old documents on show.
Picture 3 shows the arcade which is part of the new building. It has only been there since 1902, a relative youngster in this town but nonetheless attractive for it.

Of course, that's not all the Rathaus has to offer. Noticeable by day, a stand out at night, the clock tower is one of the jewels in the crown of Gorlitz (pic 2).
The tower's construction dates from the 14th century with the middle addition in the first half of the 16th and the top from the 18th century.
The lower clock in pic 4 was made in 1584 and features a helmeted head that lowers its jaw at the passing of each minute.
1584 was an important year as Gorlitz humanist, tutor and mayor (how many jobs can you do in just one day!) Bartholomaus Scultetus introduced the divison of the clock into twelve parts.
Scultetus was also involved in the introduction of the Gregorian calendar and created the first map of Upper Lusatia. Sorry, I forgot to mention he was also a mathematician, scholar and filled several other important positions as well.....but, of course, that was in his spare time!
The hand of the upper clock takes one month to go around and displays the day, hour and phase of the moon.
In the upper third of the tower a lion gazes down and, at midday or upon invitation, is heard to growl and roar.

Land Sachsen General Tips

Land Sachsen General Tips

Visiting Land Sachsen?

Visiting Land Sachsen?