Oberpoyritz

Hidden on the edge of Dresden, Oberpoyritz whispers tales of ancient settlements and royal connections. Oberpoyritz first appeared in records as “Padegricz” in 1378, a Slavic name meaning “village under the mountain”. This reflects its location at the foot of the Elbhänge hills and the Borsberg mountain. Originally a Slavic round village with surrounding fields, Oberpoyritz transitioned from farming to viticulture and later, orchard cultivation. This shift is symbolized by the grape depicted on the old village seal. Oberpoyritz’s fate became intertwined with nearby Pillnitz in 1569 when the Pillnitz estate owners assumed control. This connection deepened in the 18th century as Pillnitz Castle, transformed into a summer residence by Augustus the Strong, flourished. Oberpoyritz residents provided services for the castle, including guard duty, and the castle’s needs influenced the village’s agricultural focus. The Rysselkuppe and Rysselscher Weinberg vineyards, named after a local family, stand as testaments to Oberpoyritz’s winemaking past. These vineyards, part of the Saxon wine region, offer stunning views extending to Saxon Switzerland. The village itself retains a rural charm despite the development of small residential areas in the 20th century. Oberpoyritz became part of Dresden in 1950, marking another chapter in its long and layered history. The Lohmener Straße, the main road through Oberpoyritz, connects the village to the wider region and reminds us of its evolving role in the tapestry of Dresden. A walk through Oberpoyritz is a step back in time, where whispers of bronze-age settlements and the grandeur of Saxon royalty mingle amidst the quiet charm of a village under a mountain.