Stadtbrücke Görlitz, also known as the Old Town Bridge, is not only an engineering structure connecting the two banks of the Lusatian Neisse River, but above all a symbol of the union of two nations - Polish and German. Located at Am Stadtpark in Görlitz, this stone bridge is one of the most picturesque spots on the map of the Polish-German border region.

The history of the bridge dates back to the Middle Ages, although its current form comes from a later period. It is worth knowing that until 1945 Görlitz was one city, which after World War II was divided by the state border - the eastern part became Polish Zgorzelec, and the western part remained German Görlitz. The bridge then became the border between the two countries, and for decades of the Cold War it was a symbol of the division of Europe.

After Poland joined the Schengen zone in 2007, the bridge regained its original function - it once again connects the residents of the two parts of the former city, allowing free movement between the countries. Today, walking on the bridge is an unusual experience - you can go from Poland to Germany in a matter of minutes, watching the architecture, language of inscriptions or even lifestyle change.

The bridge offers a spectacular view of the old town of Görlitz, whose panorama is reflected in the waters of the Lusatian Neisse River. It is particularly charming at sunset, when the last rays illuminate the facades of historic townhouses. Photographers from all over the world come here to capture this magical moment, when the light perfectly highlights the city's historic architecture.

It is interesting to note that this bridge has appeared in several famous film productions. Görlitz, sometimes referred to as 'Görliwood,' has become a popular film location due to its perfectly preserved, authentic architecture from various eras. Among the films shot in the city are Wes Anderson's 'Grand Budapest Hotel' and Quentin Tarantino's 'Inglourious Basterds.

The bridge also witnesses numerous cultural events jointly organized by Görlitz and Zgorzelec. One of the best known is the annual Bridge Festival, during which residents of both cities come together to celebrate their friendship and common cultural heritage. The festival is packed with concerts, exhibitions, culinary demonstrations and workshops, attracting visitors from all over Europe.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the bridge is an important point on the route of international bicycle trails, including the popular route along the Lusatian Neisse River. From here you can embark on a day trip through the picturesque surroundings of the Polish-German border region, discovering the charming villages and natural attractions of the region.

The Old Town Bridge linking Poland's Zgorzelec and Germany's Görlitz is not only a crossing of the Lusatian Neisse River, but also a living symbol of European change. Located in the heart of the historic area, the bridge has a rich and turbulent history that reflects the fate of the entire region.

The bridge's structure, while it may appear simple at first glance, hides a fascinating history of engineering. Originally, there was a wooden crossing at the site, which was repeatedly destroyed during the floods that haunted the Neisse River valley. The current stone bridge was built to be more durable and resistant to the whims of nature. Its sturdy construction has stood the test of time, including the devastation of World War II, when retreating German troops blew up bridges to slow the Red Army's march.

The bridge offers a picturesque view of Görlitz's old town, which impresses with its variety of architectural styles. From here you can admire the Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau and Wilhelminian facades of buildings, creating a unique panorama of the city. It is particularly charming at dusk, when the historic buildings are subtly illuminated and their reflections dance on the surface of the river.

The Old Town Bridge has witnessed many historical events. During the Cold War, it served as a closely guarded border between the Eastern and Western Blocs. There is a local legend that says that during particularly tense periods of the Cold War, residents on both sides of the bridge communicated with each other using gestures and signs, passing messages to each other despite the closed border. Today, it is hard to imagine that crossing this bridge once required special permits and lengthy inspections.

After the fall of the Iron Curtain and Poland's entry into the European Union and later the Schengen zone, the bridge became a symbol of a united Europe. In 2004, during the celebrations of the EU enlargement, representatives of Polish and German authorities met on the bridge, symbolically celebrating a new chapter in the history of both nations. The event was commemorated with a plaque, which can be seen walking on the bridge.

Interestingly, the bridge is an important part of the so-called 'European City' - a joint initiative between Zgorzelec and Görlitz to strengthen cross-border cooperation. As part of this project, a number of cultural, educational and sporting events are organized that attract residents of both cities. One of the most popular is the annual Run Across the Bridge, in which athletes from Poland, Germany and other countries participate.

For tourists, the Old Town Bridge is an excellent starting point for exploring both cities. On the Polish side, the modernist architecture of Zgorzelec is worth noting, especially the housing estate designed by the famous architect Ernst May. On the German side, Görlitz's wealth of sights awaits discovery, including the charming backstreets of the old town and monumental religious buildings.

The bridge is also a popular meeting place for residents of both cities. On warm summer evenings, both Polish and German families can be found here, strolling and enjoying the sunset over the river. It's a place where a mix of languages can be heard and where cultures mingle naturally.

The Old Town Hall (Old Town Hall) in Görlitz, located at Untermarkt 6, is one of the most impressive landmarks of this border town. This monumental building, towering over the Old Town Square, is not only the administrative center, but above all an architectural gem of the region and a testament to the city's rich history.

The history of the town hall dates back to the 14th century, although the current building is the result of numerous alterations and extensions over the centuries. The oldest parts date from the Gothic period, while the facade bears clear traces of the Renaissance. A particularly distinctive feature is the monumental staircase leading to the main entrance, which was added in the 16th century. This staircase, known as the 'Staircase of Justice,' was the place where court verdicts and important city decrees were announced.

The facade of the City Hall impresses with its wealth of architectural details. Of note are the elaborate decorations, the city coats of arms and the distinctive astronomical clock, which has been keeping time for Görlitz residents for centuries. According to local legend, this clock was constructed by a master who, after completing his masterpiece, was blinded by order of the city councilors so that he could not create a similar masterpiece for another city. The story, though macabre, is typical of medieval tales about prominent craftsmen.

The interior of the City Hall hides real treasures. The Councilors' Hall, with its richly decorated wooden ceiling and historical furniture, takes visitors back to a time when Görlitz was a wealthy trading city, part of the Union of Six Lusatian Cities. The hall was used to make the most important decisions concerning the city and the region, as well as to receive distinguished guests, including kings and emperors.

It is interesting to note that in the basement of the town hall there is a historic restaurant that serves traditional Lusatian and Silesian cuisine. The restaurant, which has been in continuous operation for several centuries, allows guests to enjoy regional specialties in an authentic, historic atmosphere. Particularly recommended are the Lusatian dumplings with a filling of cottage cheese and potatoes, and the traditional beef stew prepared according to a recipe passed down from generation to generation.

The Görlitz City Hall played an important role in the history of the city and the region. It was here that the Peace of Prague was signed in 1635, ending one stage of the Thirty Years' War. This event is commemorated by a special plaque that can be seen on the facade of the building. It is also worth knowing that during World War II the Town Hall luckily escaped destruction, so it retained its authentic historical character.

For movie lovers, the town hall may seem strangely familiar - after all, it has appeared in several well-known film productions. Due to its perfectly preserved architecture, Görlitz has become a popular film location, and the town hall, as one of the most distinctive buildings, has often made it to the screens. Among the films in which the monument can be seen are 'Grand Budapest Hotel' and 'Lektor.

Surrounding the City Hall is the picturesque Old Town Square (Untermarkt), surrounded by colorful townhouses from different eras. Each of these buildings has its own history and unique architectural features. Particularly noteworthy are the 'Schönhof' house, the oldest surviving Renaissance residential building in Germany, and the 'Waage', the former building of the town scales, where goods brought by merchants were weighed.

The town hall is also home to numerous cultural events, including classical music concerts, art exhibitions and the traditional Christmas market, which attracts tourists from all over Europe. During this fair, the market is filled with stalls offering regional delicacies, handicrafts and Christmas decorations, while carols played live by local musicians resound from the town hall tower.