Ever wondered what “Naundorf” truly means? The name Naundorf, appearing in old texts as Nuemdorff or Nuwendorph, means “new village”. This suggests Naundorf was among the youngest settlements in the area.
We are standing in Naundorf. This village was first documented in the early 14th century. However, detailed records about its origins and early development remain scarce.
Naundorf’s story includes a unique fourfold governance. In 1819, parts of Naundorf fell under the authority of Amt Grillenburg. This jurisdiction included 506 residents. The Henningschen and Albertschen communities each governed 150 inhabitants. A small number of residents answered to the Freiberg Mining Office.
After 1870, Germany experienced a period of growth. Naundorf consolidated into a single administrative unit. This allowed its residents to find work in local industries.
Mining significantly boosted Naundorf’s population. Yet, the miners possessed few material riches. This made Naundorf a relatively poor community.
Let’s look at Naundorf’s population figures over time. In 1819, Naundorf had 850 residents. By 1834, the population rose to 1,121. It further increased to 1,513 in 1871 and 1,666 in 1895. The population decreased to 1,408 in 1925. By 1938, it stood at 1,471.
Today, Naundorf is part of the larger municipality of Bobritzsch-Hilbersdorf. It includes Niederbobritzsch, Oberbobritzsch, Sohra, and Hilbersdorf. Naundorf hosts many small and medium-sized businesses.
Naundorf has about 1,200 residents. Interestingly, the Mittelpunkt von Sachsen, the geographical center of Saxony, is not within Naundorf. It’s about 20 minutes away in the Colmnitz valley.
Naundorf was settled during Frankish colonization. A document first mentioned it in 1144.
The village green lies in a flood-free oxbow lake of the Elbe. High turnover among farm owners indicates the village’s poverty. A blacksmith was first noted in 1654. A wheelwright followed in 1688. By the 19th century, a grocer and baker had settled here.
Viticulture has been part of Naundorf since the 15th century. Almost every farm had a wine press then. Crop failures caused viticulture to decline around 1800.
In 1783, Naundorf built its first schoolhouse on the Anger. A poorhouse soon followed. Naundorf has always belonged to the parish of Kötzschenbroda. Locals wanted their own church. This wish led to St John’s Chapel’s construction in 1907.
Horticulture became increasingly important to the economy. Good railway connections helped sales.
Increased industrialization started with a factory district near Kötzitz. Naundorf’s population grew significantly in the late 19th century.
In 1923, Naundorf joined Zitzschewig, Fürstenhain, and Kötzschenbroda. Together, they formed the large municipality of Kötzschenbroda.