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History of Gorlitz, Silesia, Prussia, Germany
Journey back in time to Gorlitz, Silesia, Prussia, Germany
(Görlitz, Schlesien, Preußen)
Explore Gorlitz, Silesia, Prussia, Germany! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Gorlitz Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

The Prussian area known as Silesia consisted of two regions, Upper Silesia (Oberschlesien) and Lower Silesia (Niederschlesien). It was bordered on the west by Saxony, on the north by Brandenburg, on the east by Poland, and on the south by Czechoslovakia. The Sudenten Mountain range ran along its southern border. Two major rivers, the Oder and the Neisse ran through it. Two major cities were Breslau and Görlitz.
As a result of various wars, Silesia is now divided between three different countries. The largest portion of Silesia is in modern-day Poland. A small portion of southern Silesia was ceded to Czechoslovakia in 1918 and is now in the Czech Republic. In 1945 as a result of the Potsdam Conference, the line between Poland and East Germany was drawn along the Neisse river dividing Görlitz between East Germany and Poland. The portion of Görlitz that remained in Germany retained its name. The portion that went to Poland is now called Zgorzelec. The Polish name for Breslau is Wrocław.
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Discover Gorlitz: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Upper Lusatia around Görlitz and Lauban, ceded to Prussia by the Kingdom of Saxony according to the resolutions of the Vienna Congress in 1815.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
1916
Gorlitz, a town of Prussian Silesia, 52 miles W. of Liegnitz, on the Lusatian Neisse. It is built largely in the Renaissance style and is quaint and interesting. Among the principal edifices are the church of St. Peter and St. Paul, one of the most important monuments of late-Gothic architecture in east Germany, the town-hall in Gothic and early Renaissance with a noteworthy staircase and artistic wood-carved ceiling, and the Kaisertrutz, a massive bastion (1490). In the little churchyard of the Holy Cross is an imitation of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The principal industries are the manufacture of cloth, gloria stuff, railroad materials, machinery, gold- and silver-wares, toys, cigars, chemicals, and vegetable sausage. Pop. in 1880, 50.307 ; in 1901, 80,931.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Gorlitz, a town of Prussian Silesia, 52 miles W. of Liegnitz, on the Lusatian Neisse. It is built largely in the Renaissance style and is quaint and interesting. Among the principal edifices are the church of St. Peter and St. Paul, one of the most important monuments of late-Gothic architecture in east Germany, the town-hall in Gothic and early Renaissance with a noteworthy staircase and artistic wood-carved ceiling, and the Kaisertrutz, a massive bastion (1490). In the little churchyard of the Holy Cross is an imitation of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The principal industries are the manufacture of cloth, gloria stuff, railroad materials, machinery, gold- and silver-wares, toys, cigars, chemicals, and vegetable sausage. Pop. in 1880, 50.307 ; in 1901, 80,931.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Görlitz:
Altstadt (Old Town): Start your journey in Görlitz by exploring the Altstadt, the historic old town. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, admire the well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings, and soak in the charming atmosphere. Don't forget to check out the colorful facades and intricately designed doorways.
Görlitzer Altstadtpflaster: The Görlitz Old Town Pavement is famous for its unique cobblestone patterns. Take a leisurely stroll along these historic streets and appreciate the craftsmanship of the cobblestone designs.
St. Peter and Paul's Church (St. Peter und Paul Kirche): This stunning Gothic church is one of the most iconic landmarks in Görlitz. Climb the church tower for panoramic views of the town and the neighboring Polish city of Zgorzelec.
Kaisertrutz: Visit this impressive Renaissance-era building, which once served as a defense tower and later as a royal residence. Today, it houses the Görlitz City Museum, where you can delve into the town's... Read MORE...
Altstadt (Old Town): Start your journey in Görlitz by exploring the Altstadt, the historic old town. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, admire the well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings, and soak in the charming atmosphere. Don't forget to check out the colorful facades and intricately designed doorways.
Görlitzer Altstadtpflaster: The Görlitz Old Town Pavement is famous for its unique cobblestone patterns. Take a leisurely stroll along these historic streets and appreciate the craftsmanship of the cobblestone designs.
St. Peter and Paul's Church (St. Peter und Paul Kirche): This stunning Gothic church is one of the most iconic landmarks in Görlitz. Climb the church tower for panoramic views of the town and the neighboring Polish city of Zgorzelec.
Kaisertrutz: Visit this impressive Renaissance-era building, which once served as a defense tower and later as a royal residence. Today, it houses the Görlitz City Museum, where you can delve into the town's... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Gorlitz Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Gorlitz, Silesia, Prussia, Germany
We currently have information about 12 ancestors who were born or died in Gorlitz.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Gorlitz, Silesia, Prussia, Germany
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