Picture the charming village green of Altzitzschewig. This is Zitzschewig a district of Radebeul near Dresden. Zitzschewig boasts a rich history stretching back centuries. Its oldest section the Altzitzschewig circular village dates back to Slavic times. Imagine the lives of those early settlers. They built their homes around a central green a common feature in Slavic settlements.
The area’s significance is not solely historical. Zitzschewig is also part of the Radebeuler Johannisberg wine-growing region. The slopes have been used for viticulture since at least the 13th century. Imagine the sun-drenched vineyards producing exquisite wines. This rich agricultural past continues to shape Zitzschewig’s identity.
The village was first documented in 1366 as Czuczewitz. However its roots run much deeper. The 15th century saw the construction of a summer residence for the Bishops of Meißen. This magnificent building which stood on the hill where the Hohenhaus now stands was used for years before changing hands. The Hohenhaus itself underwent a significant classical reconstruction in the early 19th century. Later it received an extension designed by the renowned Jugendstil architect Richard Riemerschmid in 1913.
Note the unique architectural character of the Zweiseithof and Dreiseithof farmhouses around the village green. These buildings are not just houses. They represent a traditional building style characteristic of Zitzschewig. Their presence contributes to the district’s charming and unique atmosphere. They are also among the twelve buildings on the green that are listed as historical monuments.
Beyond these buildings Zitzschewig has numerous other significant sites. The Wettinshöhe hill boasts a villa that showcases an impressive evolution in architectural style. This once smaller building was expanded between 1879 and 1880. The result is the stately Schloss Wettinshöhe we see today.
Famous figures like Gerhart Hauptmann once frequented Zitzschewig. The renowned dramatist spent time at the Hohenhaus. He called it a “nest of paradise birds”. His presence is not only felt in the history of the buildings but also in the creative spirit that permeates the atmosphere of Zitzschewig. His work showcases the area and the unique character of its inhabitants. A memorial stone in his honor stands near the former school.
Zitzschewig joined Kötzschenbroda in 1923. Kötzschenbroda later became a city and Zitzschewig became one of its districts. In 1935 Zitzschewig along with Kötzschenbroda was incorporated into the newly created city of Radebeul.
Today Zitzschewig retains its charm and unique character. It’s a testament to its history its people and its unwavering connection to the land. A place where history is not just a memory but a living experience. A living part of the Radebeul landscape.