The largest city in Saxony is the medieval wonder of Marienberg, sitting in the shadow of the Ore Mountains. The mountain range is a natural border that separates the town of Marienberg from the Czech Republic (or Bohemia depending on what century you’re from ;-).
The mountains are a great place for sightseeing, and quite popular too with almost a million visitors a year. Don’t stress that it’ll be crowded, the mountains stretch for a few hundred kilometers, so you might feel that you actually have the place all to yourself.
The mountains were (and still are) important to the city of Marienberg, so they pay homage with the annual Mountain Parade.
Castle Lauterstein once offered protection along the mining road (and through the Ore Mountains) between Leipzig and Prague, lying in ruins since it was destroyed in March 1639. The Bergmagazin is a former storage facility for the miners; now a mining history museum.
You’ll also find some other great sites here in Marienberg to visit. The Military Church in the Lauterbach neighborhood dates to the 15th century.
And, the Zschopauer Gate in Marienberg proper is the last remaining city gate from the original five. Once you walk through the gate towards the town square, you’ll think you’ve walked through a time warp back to the days of the Renaissance. A fire in 1610 destroyed 550 houses (just about all in town) and everything was rebuilt in the popular style.
You’re also able see the Parish Church Marien from the Zschopauer Gate which has stood here since the 16th century. The church’s steeple is so high that you’ll have to stand across the street to get the entire thing in a photo.
There’s a popular local specialty called Lauterbacher Tropfen. A secret spicy drink that’s dark green and made with 40% alcohol.
So, whether you come to Marienberg for its natural beauty or its history, at least know you’ll be able to enjoy it with a great drink. Just don’t ask how it’s made… the recipe’s TOP SECRET! ;-)
