“Koźlice,” the sign reads as we arrive. Ever wonder about the story behind a seemingly quiet village like Koźlice? This is a place with layers of history. Koźlice is a village in Lower Silesian Voivodeship. It is near the German border. Its Upper Sorbian name is Koźelice.
Let’s turn back the clock. Before 1945, Koźlice was known as Köslitz. It belonged to Kreis Görlitz. Today, Koźlice lies approximately 6 kilometers south of Zgorzelec. It’s about 144 kilometers west of Wrocław.
Koźlice has seen its share of change. After World War II, borders shifted. Koźlice became part of Poland. The nearby city of Görlitz was divided. One part became the Polish city of Zgorzelec. Koźlice shares a border with Germany. This gives it a unique cultural position.
We know that in 1945, Lasowice was connected to Koźlice. Before 1945, Lasowice was called Weinhübel. Before that, it was Posottendorf-Leschwitz.
Once, a manor stood here in Koźlice. It was part of an estate. You could see farm buildings. There was even a distillery. Sadly, only fragments remain. Look closely. Can you see traces of the old estate? The stables are partially standing. A chimney from the destroyed distillery still stands.
Also, a palace used to stand in Koźlice. Today, nothing remains of the palace. However, the location of this destroyed palace is known. The site is marked with information boards.
Interestingly, only small remnants of the Leschwitz manor remain. But the past is still palpable here. The Nysa Łużycka river flows nearby. You can see the pillars of a destroyed road bridge. There is also a weir on the river.
The village is small. The population is about 208 people. Yet, Koźlice connects Poland and Germany. It links the past and present. Keep an eye out for the older house by the road. Notice the gardens. These are snapshots of Koźlice today. The road itself tells a story of connection.
Many thanks to Eckhard Huth from Dresden. He captured Koźlice in photographs. These images help us understand its past and present.
Do you have any stories or old photos of Koźlice? Locals are always keen to learn more about its history. Perhaps you’ll uncover another hidden piece of Koźlice’s story.