Hoyerswerda Attractions
The Lusatian town of Hoyerswerda (Sorbian Wojerecy) lies 50km/30mi south of Cottbus in the valley of the Schwarze (Black) Elster. Before 1949 an unimportant small town, Hoyerswerda has multiplied its population tenfold as a result of the development of mining and electricity production in this area.
Hoyerswerda lies in the Sorbian language area, and in 1912 the Domowina, an organization designed to resist the increasing oppression of Sorbs by Germans, was founded in the town. (Domowina is a poetical name for "home" in the Sorbian language).
Hoyerswerda lies in the Sorbian language area, and in 1912 the Domowina, an organization designed to resist the increasing oppression of Sorbs by Germans, was founded in the town. (Domowina is a poetical name for "home" in the Sorbian language).
Amtshaus
The Amtshaus in Hoyerswerda is a two-story Baroque building of 1702. The 18th C. dramatist Lessing was frequently a guest here as a young man.
Churches
The Late Gothic parish church (16th C.) in Hoyerswerda suffered heavy destruction in 1945 (restored 1985). The aisleless Baroque Kreuzkirche dates from the 18th century.
Palace
Hoyerswerda's three-story Schloss, which first appears in the records in the 13th C, was much altered in later centuries. In its present form it dates mainly from the Renaissance. It is now occupied by a museum. In front of the building can be seen a Saxon posting mitone of 1732.
Senftenberg, Germany
(Near Hoyerswerda)
Down the valley of the Schwarze Elster, near Hoyerswerda, is the old mining town of Senftenberg (Sorbian Zly Komorow). It has a fine Schloss (15th-16th C.), now housing the District Museum, with a collection of Lusatian art. There are fine old trees in the Schlosspark. In the castle courtyard is sculpture by Ernst Barlach, "The Beggar".
The Senftenberg Lakes are a holidaymaker's paradise, with a nature reserve of 300 hectares/750 acres and seventeen beaches.
The Senftenberg Lakes are a holidaymaker's paradise, with a nature reserve of 300 hectares/750 acres and seventeen beaches.
Town Hall
The Town Hall in Hoyerswerda was built in 1429 and rebuilt in Renaissance style in 1680. Over the round-arched doorway are colorful coats of arms.
