There are close to like 9,000 Neustadts in Germany. And, yes, I’m well aware that this is a bit of an exaggeration. And, no, I have not been drinking. One thing I do know, this Neustadt in Saxony (where in a hop & a jump you’re in the Czech Republic) is just an unassuming town with a quiet simple grace.
Now, that doesn’t mean you’ll be bored or anything. No, there’s still a good deal of sightseeing that can be done in this old gold mining town. It’s just that it isn’t all glitz and over the top. Maybe this is what makes someone choose a place like Neustadt in Saxony instead of somewhere more “sophisticated” like, um, Dresden?
Despite not being a large city with art museums, Neustadt has decided to bring the art outdoors. No, there isn’t a Picasso hanging at the Marktplatz, but there are many sculptures scattered throughout its nine villages. Neustadt is particularly proud of its bronze goat statue.
It’s also proud of its Jacobikirche which was built in 1346. The belltower strikes at 15 minute intervals and can be visited on Tuesdays to see its alter. If you call ahead they might let you in on another day.
Although technically not a “church,” the stained glass over at the Cemetery Chapel is quite beautiful. Also at the cemetery is a memorial stone dedicated to prisoners of the concentration camps. Another memorial stone is found at the Schlosspark (village Langburkersdorf) and one in the village of Rugiswalde.
More history and culture can be found at the Urban Museum which is housed in an old brewery, over at the Rathaus (Town Hall), and at a beautiful Renaissance style Parsonage building — which just so happens to be the oldest building in town dating to 1616.
Sightseeing and getting around is relatively easy, just start at the old Post Office Mile Marker and go! Maybe that’s what folks did long ago when the Salt Road and an old medieval Pilgrimage Route came right through town.
I don’t know about them, but from the looks of Neustadt in Sachsen — I think I’d like to stay instead. ;-)
