Ever wonder where Goerlitz began? We are standing in Nikolaivorstadt. This is the oldest neighborhood in Goerlitz. Many say it is one of the loveliest places in the city.
Nikolaivorstadt is just minutes from the main sights. It feels calmer and slower here. It has village vibes. Let’s explore the sights that make Nikolaivorstadt so special.
Once, the city of Goerlitz was enclosed by a defensive wall. The Nikolaiturm protected the northern gate. It was part of these fortifications. There was an inner and outer gate. A drawbridge connected them. Most of the walls were demolished in 1848. This made way for the growing city. The Nikolaiturm still stands.
The Nikolaiturm is 45 meters high. That is about 148 feet. It has a copper top. The first mention of the tower was in 1348. Until 1903, a tower guard lived inside. He lived on the top floor. He watched for threats to the city. He would ring the bell to alert everyone. Fire was one of the biggest threats.
You can visit the Nikolaiturm. It is part of a guided tour in German. Inside, you will see how the tower guard lived. You will have beautiful views over the city. Check the hours posted on the tower.
The Nikolaizwinger is a garden path. It leads from the east side of the Peterskirche to the Nikolaiturm. The Nikolaizwinger is a remnant of the double city walls. The northern gate stood between the Nikolaiturm and the Nikolaizwinger. In 1954, the space became a green park. It was part of an initiative to beautify communities in East Germany. Today, it is a beautiful oasis. It is cooler than the old town. The shade provides relief.
The Hotherturm is also here. It is in the Nikolaizwinger. Find it at the north-eastern point of the former city walls. It was built in the 13th century. It is the only remaining corner bastion. There were once 30 bastions lining the city’s fortifications. Its cannon ports show its importance to the city’s defense.
The Finstertor is also called Armesuendertor. That means poor sinners’ gate. It was part of the mud walls and fences. These protected the Nikolaivorstadt. It is the last part of this wall remaining in Goerlitz. It was first mentioned in 1455. Condemned criminals passed through this gate. They were on their way to execution. This is the reason for its gloomy nicknames.
Next to the Finstertor is the Scharfrichterhaus. This is the executioner’s house. It is the only fully preserved half-timbered house in Goerlitz. The outside has a sandstone tablet. It reads “In the year of Christ 1676 LxSxB.” The initials are for the executioner Lorenz Strassburger. He lived in the house at that time.
The executioner in Goerlitz had many tasks. He performed executions and tortured criminals. He also removed dead livestock. He scavenged parts of the animal to earn money. He took care of stray dogs. He cleaned filth from the streets. Because of his experience with animals, he had anatomical knowledge. People called on him when they needed a surgeon. This was for their animals and even for themselves. Still, the executioner had a dishonorable position. He lived at the city gates. He wore a green hat. He could not enter taverns. It was inappropriate to marry his children.
There is a small park just past the Scharfrichterhaus. It has great views over the city.
The Nikolaikirche is one of the oldest churches in the city. It is no longer used as a church. Now, it is home to an expressionist style memorial. It is for the city’s fallen soldiers in WWI. Beside this church is a cemetery. It has elaborate gravestones and crypts. These date back to the 1300s. The graveyard is free to enter. Visitors can enter the church from March through October. There is a small entrance fee.
The Heiliges Grab is here. It is a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. A wealthy merchant built it in the 1500s. He built it after a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Each year on Easter, a procession takes place. A man carries a cross. He walks from the Peterskirche crypt to the Holy Grave.
Behind the Heiliges Grab is the Ölberggarten. This is the Mount of Olives Garden. It is part of the Holy Grave complex. The crematorium is up on the hill. It was built in 1913. The garden complex was created on the hill below it in the 1920s. It was filled with fruit trees and berry bushes. The park and crematorium offer beautiful views over the city.
Did you know that the film Grand Budapest Hotel was filmed in Goerlitz? Some scenes were filmed in the Nikolaivorstadt. One scene shows a car barreling down the snowy cobblestone road. This was inside the old cemetery.
The Nikolaivorstadt has a unique charm. Its history whispers from every corner. Take a moment to appreciate the village vibes. Let the stories of this special place stay with you.