In 1813 the idyllic town of Großpösna in Saxony wasn’t quite, ummm (what’s the right word?), so — ok, idyllic. Perhaps we could use the word tranquil.
Why, you ask? It all has to do with an epic battle some two hundred years ago.
You see, it was here in 1813 that the Battle of Leipzig took place. Now before you look at me funnily, I know I said Leipzig — but the city itself is just a mere 13 km away.
Either way, the village of Störmthal saw quite a bit of action during this 19th century war, with Napoleon’s French troops fighting against Prussia, Austria, Russia, and Sweden.
The Störmthal you see today with its graceful Baroque church and tidy farms is a far cry from its war-ravaged days of yesteryear. A nice place to just relax is at the Störmthaler See, a lake where you’ll find a nature reserve, along with a Geological Trail with some 15 information Stelen, or information boards.
Großpösna’s village of Seifertshain was right on the edge of all the fighting as well, but sadly that’s nothing new to this village. You’d never know Seifertshain suffered quite horribly with looting and plague during the Thirty Years’ War, and again was plundered during the melee with Napoleon.
Today the little hamlet is more famously known for its windmill (with these funky little arms), its Hospital Museum housed in an old school, and its 250+ year old Rectory. But, if you want a little more of 19th century history, you’ll find the grave of Count Alberti di Poja, a military man buried with distinction, laid to rest in the local cemetery.
What have I missed? Oh yes, the village of Dreiskau-Muckern. What started out as two individual 7th century Slavic villages, is now the modern day village of Dreiskau-Muckern, which is both quiet and family friendly. No way could you tell after the fall of East Germany in the early 1990s only 50 people remained.
Don’t go thinking with all this historical stuff Großpösna isn’t any fun. Nothing could be further from the truth, because the town hosts an annual Volksfest (late August/early September), a Summer Festival, and an Indie/Rock Music Festival — known as the Highfield Festival.
Isn’t it nice to see Großpösna’s star is on the rise? I think so, too.
