Doesn’t the name “Zur Sonne” sound promising? It translates to “To the Sun”. This historic place, once known as “Zu den 3 Krebsen” or “To the 3 Crayfish” in 1618, holds significance in Goerlitz’s architectural and local history.
Imagine the stories these walls could tell. Zur Sonne is a large complex of buildings. It includes a grand inn, outbuildings with stables, a granite spiral staircase, and a carriage house in the courtyard.
For many years, Zur Sonne was a well-known and loved restaurant at Demianiplatz 54. However, times change. The restaurant “Zur goldenen Sonne” closed. But, it wasn’t the end for this location. In its place opened Ristorante da Vinci.
Before Da Vinci, Peter Gaida, a familiar face from Landskron Brewery, took over. He planned to reopen Zur Goldenen Sonne. The previous operator’s contract had ended and “Pfeiffers Erben,” the owners, chose not to renew it.
Let’s rewind a bit further. Vincenzo Colucci, previously of La Taverna, opened a new Italian restaurant here. He chose the name “Ristorante da Vinci”. “Da Vinci” is Italian short form of “at Vincenzo’s”. Colucci is a Leonardo da Vinci fan.
Colucci aimed to offer high-quality Italian cuisine using fresh ingredients. He had made a name for himself in Goerlitz and beyond. A former guest suggested the vacant “Sonne” to him. He found the ambiance fitting and seized the opportunity.
Although the restaurant “Zur Goldenen Sonne” is closed, its legacy remains. It is a reminder of the past. The building itself, a testament to Goerlitz’s rich history. It shows how spaces can evolve. New stories are created within the same walls. So, while the sun may have set on one chapter, a new one has dawned at this very spot.