Zgorzelec Things to Do

4 more images

Not only Görlitz, also Zgorzelec has its share of Jugendstil (art nouveau) architecture. Architects were working all over town before World War I, we find architecture of the same quality as over in Görlitz. Some of the art nouveau houses are already well restored. Keep your eyes open. They might not be spectacular, nevertheless they are a pleasant sight among all that grey-brownish post-war plaster.

I found these examples in ul. Daszynskiego.

4 more images

The building in the park south of the town centre was erected in 1898 - 1902 as the Oberlausitzer Ruhmeshalle (Upper Lusatian Glory Hall) and Emperor-Friedrich-Museum. The purpose of the building was the glorification of the Emperors Wilhelm I and Friedrich. The architect was Hugo Behr. The huge dome was designed after the model of the Reichstag in Berlin. The sculptures on the main facade depict the terrors of war and the blessings of peace.

From the end of World War II it has been used by the city of Zgorcelec as cultural centre. It is used for exhibitions, concerts, theatre and cinema.

The architecture is a typical example of the Wilhelminic era, i.e. the reign of Emperor Wilhelm II. (If you want my personal opinion... It is a monster!)

1 more image

The philosopher and mysticist Jacob Böhme, one of the most famous citizens of Renaissance Görlitz, owned his house in the suburb beyond the river. He lived here from 1590 to 1610.

More about Jacob Böhme in Wikipedia

The house by the river front is well restored. It is now a museum that tells about Böhme's life and work.
The house next door has also been repaired and refurbished. Since 2007 it hosts the Lusatian museum.

3 more images

Looking over from Görlitz, the most striking landmark is the concrete complex of the mill by the river. It is still known by its German name Dreiradenmühle. Its silo tower is standing next to the pedestrian bridge.

Visitors are greeted by a large mural on the silo: an abstract head in red, blue and vellow. I admit I have not yet figured out its significance but it is for sure a pleasant splash of colours on the grey block. It might be a symbol of the divided and reunited city, with the blue line being the river Neiße. But this is just my guess!

2 more images

Even if you have little time and don't want to venture far - crossing the pedestrian bridge over to Zgorzelec is a must, if only for the view. From the Polish side you have the best panoramic view of old Görlitz, with the Church of St Peter and Paul as a crown in the skyline. A photo opportunity that should not be missed.

4 more images

The row of houses along the river front next to Altstadtbrücke is about all that is left of Görlitz's old suburb on the right Neiße bank. Some of those houses are baroque or even older and well restored. They shine in bright colours now.

Better enjoy the nice facades and overlook the not so nice ones, the cheap tobacco shops and the red light businesses.

3 more images

The "Oberlausnitzer Ruhmeshalle" is now called Dom Kultury and is a most prestigious building. It was built from 1898 until 1902 in honor of Prussian achievements of the first kaiser, Kaiser Wilhelm I and his son Kaiser Friedrich III. On 28th November 1902 the building was inaugurated by Kaiser Wilhelm the Second.

Today it's used as a museum and for a variety of cultural events.

1 more image

Around the Dom Kultury you find two parks/squares. The first one is Priest Jerzy Popieluszko square where you will find a rock monument to Zgorzelec/Goerlitz as a Europe city. In March the park was pretty bleak but some old men chatted standing there and feeding the pigeons. The big park is called after Andrezeja Blachanca.

In summer it could be nice to take a break here.