Weixdorf

Whispers of ancient settlements drift through Weixdorf, a district nestled in the northern reaches of Dresden. Weixdorf isn’t just a single entity. It’s a tapestry woven from five distinct villages: Lausa, Friedersdorf, Gomlitz, Marsdorf, and Weixdorf itself. Lausa, with its prominent church and strategic location, held a special significance among them. This church, known as the Pastor-Roller-Kirche, echoes with the legacy of Pastor Roller, a beloved figure who served from 1811 to 1850. His presence is even immortalized in the writings of the famous theologian, Julius Kügelgen. The arrival of the railway in 1884 transformed Weixdorf and its surrounding villages. They shifted from quiet farming communities into bustling hubs for workers employed in the nearby Klotzsche and Dresden. Weixdorf’s growth continued into the 20th century. After 1917, new housing developments sprang up in Lausa. One such development, located between Königsbrücker Landstraße and the railway, showcased urban-style buildings, a stark contrast to the traditional village architecture. Weixdorf has seen its share of change. In 1957, due to the expansion of Dresden Airport, a significant portion of Weixdorf’s land was transferred to Klotzsche. This land now houses the northern part of the airport’s runway. Despite these changes, Weixdorf retains its village charm, evident in the historic farmhouses that still stand in Altweixdorf, the original village center. This area, situated northeast of the modern district, is also remarkably close to Gomlitz, separated only by the Schelsbach stream. The first documented settlement in the Weixdorf area dates back to the late Bronze Age, over 3,000 years ago. Remnants of this ancient past, like hearth pits and pottery fragments, have been discovered scattered across the landscape. The name “Weixdorf” first appeared in 1350, initially in variations like “Wigensdorf,” “Wignansdorf desolata,” and “Wignandisdorf”. Over time, the name evolved, reflecting shifts in pronunciation and spelling. It’s believed to mean “Village of Wignand,” likely referring to a founding settler. Today, Weixdorf thrives as a Dresden Ortschaft, a designation given after its incorporation into the city in 1999. Its story is one of transformation, from a Bronze Age settlement to a collection of villages, and finally to a modern district, all while retaining the echoes of its rich past.