Did you know that a part of Goerlitz was awarded to Poland after World War II? It is a fascinating story of division and connection. Today we are standing in Goerlitz. More precisely we are looking towards Poland.
Before the redrawing of borders after World War II, Goerlitz was one town. The Neiße River now forms the border between Germany and Poland. After the war, the eastern part of Goerlitz became part of Poland. It was given the Polish name Zgorzelec.
For many years, Goerlitz and Zgorzelec went their separate ways. However, they maintained cooperation within the Warsaw Pact. Over time, bridges were rebuilt. Yet, the bridge connecting the two town centers remained unbuilt for a long time.
The fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification brought some prosperity to Goerlitz. Still, many residents left for better opportunities in the West. Despite urban renewal programs, the population declined.
Goerlitz faced challenges. Many older residents passed away. Younger residents sought education and jobs elsewhere. This emigration led to a decline in births. There were more residents over 70 than under 10.
The difference between Goerlitz and Zgorzelec grew. Goerlitz began renovating its historic buildings. Zgorzelec struggled to repair itself. Yet, Zgorzelec became a young town benefiting from its location on Poland’s western border.
Today Goerlitz is known for its stunning architecture. It has buildings from different eras. The town’s beauty has made it a popular filming location. It is often called Görliwood. Many movies have been filmed here.
An anonymous donor gifted Goerlitz one million Deutsche Mark each year starting in 1995. This generous gift helped renovate the old town. The identity of the benefactor remains a mystery.
Goerlitz and Zgorzelec are now working together. They have joint development plans for the Neiße River banks. With Poland’s EU membership, the border is becoming less significant. Many people from Zgorzelec are expected to move to Goerlitz.
Goerlitz aims to integrate with Zgorzelec. The goal is to become the European City Goerlitz-Zgorzelec. Both towns have developed relations in administration, culture, and education. They have bilingual kindergartens and a joint bus line.
Plans are underway to rebuild a tram line across the river. This will once again connect the historic centers of Goerlitz and Zgorzelec. The future looks bright for these twin cities. They are setting an example for European integration. Goerlitz is a town with a unique story. It is a story of division, resilience, and cooperation. It is a town that looks forward to a shared future with its Polish neighbor.