Well, Petersberg (Saale) in Saxony-Anhalt, politically grown over time, it looks like you’re in some pretty good company. Your next door neighbors are Halle, Landsberg, and Wettin-Löbejün — but I think you’re good enough to hold your own against these big dogs.
Since this is Germany, chances are you’re going to have 21 churches — one for each of Petersberg’s villages. I won’t drag you to each & every one, just a couple. ;-)
There’s a bunch more to see here (and we’ll get to it), but I was so excited to tell you about the Romanesque churches in the villages of Wallwitz and Gutenberg. Or the Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Petersberg.
Ostrava’s church isn’t medieval, it’s Baroque. It is also part school and apartment complex — but still holding services. And it is the venue for the annual Castle & Park Celebration.
The village of Krosigk has not only a fortified church (one used for defense against invaders), but the remains of what was 9th century castle. It’s still got its Keep (with a Gothic door after all these years), and its dungeon’s been around since the 12th century.
Huhhhhhhhhh, I’m shuddering… wouldn’t want to have been there back then.
In 1644 the Swedes destroyed it, and one owner back in 1701 decided to rebuild. It didn’t last too long, the castle’s a ruin; but does host the Dorffest (Village Festival) on the second weekend of June.
The Heimatstube in Krosigk has a great historical overview of who did what, and how. But, I wouldn’t leave out a visit to the town’s 18th century windmill or its 16th century watermill.
Industry is nothing new to Petersberg, albeit it’s a different kind in the 21st century. Look up on the hillside, you’ll see the Television and Communications towers overlooking historical monuments like the Bismarck Tower.
Petersberg has one other place to visit before you manage to find some other town to sink your claws into — and rightly said since you’re going to Petersberg’s zoo.
I might’ve shuddered at being in Petersberg’s 12th century dungeon, but no way that’s gonna happen now in the 21st.