History and Architecture at KZ Gedenkstätte Biesnitzer Grund

Explore an Undisturbed Architectural Landscape

Because Görlitz escaped significant destruction during the war, your walk through the old town reveals a continuous timeline of medieval, baroque, and renaissance architecture. You can explore:

• The St. Peter and Paul Church, a spectacular Gothic church from the end of the 15th century.
• The Schönhof, one of the oldest civic renaissance buildings in Germany, which houses a Museum of Silesian History.
• The marker of the 15th meridian, which defines Central European time.

Experience "Görliwood" and the Neisse River

You can experience the unique atmosphere of Görlitz by walking the riverbanks of the Neisse (Nysa), where historical buildings meet abundant nature. The city’s well-preserved facades have made it a popular filming location for movies set in pre-1945 Germany, earning it the nickname "Görliwood." If you time your visit well, you might even witness a film production in progress. For a change of perspective, cross the pedestrian footbridge into Poland to view the old town from across the water.

For those seeking more movement, you can take a stroll up the Landeskrone Mountain for an afternoon walk—located roughly 200 meters above city level—or visit Lake Berzdorf on the southern limits of town, a lake formed by the filling of an open-pit coal mine.

Step into Silesian History

To deepen your understanding of the region, you can visit the Museum of Silesian History. This dedicated site offers a permanent exhibition exploring the history of Silesia and is situated in the heart of the town's heritage district.