Did you know that Ostritz’s history is interwoven with powerful families and resilient citizens? This town in Saxony sits on the border with Poland. It is on the left bank of the Lusatian Neisse. Today, we will explore Ostritz. We will uncover its unique story.
Ostritz began as a Slavic village around 500 AD. These early settlers built wood and clay huts. The village was known as Ostros. It was part of the Zittau region within the Kingdom of Bohemia.
Around 1230, the Dohna family gained control of Ostritz. They received it from the Bohemian King. Otto I von Dohna was likely the first ruler. His daughter Adelheid later became the first Abbess of St. Marienthal Abbey. The Cistercian Abbey was founded in 1234.
In the 13th century, Frankish farmers migrated here. They sought land and freedom. The landowners offered personal freedom and inheritable property. This attracted many settlers. They planned a new town north of the original village. This new town became Ostritz. It was designed with a regular layout. A marketplace was central to its design. Streets radiated from it. The old Slavic village became known as Alt-Ostritz. Later, it was called Altstadt or Old Town.
Queen Kunigunde of Bohemia played a crucial role in Ostritz’s history. In 1234, she donated land to establish St. Marienthal Abbey. This act was intended to honor her parents. Adelheid von Dohna helped the abbey flourish. The abbey gained protection and privileges. Over time, it acquired the Lordship of Ostritz from the Dohna family.
In 1357, Ostritz gained new rights from Emperor Charles IV. However, Ostritz wasn’t a royal city like Zittau or Gorlitz. It lacked a defined district and city walls. Yet, the citizens were determined. They wanted to build a town equal to its neighbors. The monastery supported these plans.
The surrounding cities watched Ostritz warily. In 1368, Zittau criticized Ostritz. It said Ostritz was overstepping its boundaries. The citizens ignored the warning. They continued building their town hall and walls. Zittau and Gorlitz sent forces to destroy these structures. Abbess Agnes von Grisslau protested. She and the nuns stood before the town hall. They tried to stop the destruction. This brave act is symbolized in Ostritz’s coat of arms. It shows an abbess with a staff beneath a tower.
Despite the Abbess’s protest, the town hall was destroyed. The city walls were torn down. However, the dispute went to an arbitration court. The court ruled that Zittau must rebuild the destroyed stalls. Ostritz kept its town rights. Around 1405, the citizens rebuilt the town hall. It stood prominently in the marketplace.
Over the centuries, Ostritz faced fires and wars. In 1427, the Hussite Wars burned down the town. In 1756, a small battle occurred during the Seven Years War. Major Heinrich von Blumenthal died defending Ostritz. In 1813, Prince Jozef Poniatowski stayed in Ostritz during the Napoleonic Wars.
In recent times, Ostritz has focused on recycling and renewable energy. It strives to be an ecological model city. The “Shield and Sword” festival, commemorating Adolf Hitler’s birthday, sparked opposition. Local residents organized the Ostritz Peace Festival. In 2019, a court banned alcohol sales at the festival. Locals bought all the beer from the supermarket. They wanted to keep it away from the festival.
Today, Ostritz stands as a testament to resilience and innovation. Its history is filled with powerful figures. It includes determined citizens and significant events. As you explore Ostritz, remember its past. See the blend of tradition and progress.