SAXONY
- Alex P
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
Saxony: history, culture and nature – this is royal Dresden, "porcelain" Meissen, musical Leipzig and the fairytale Bastei in "Saxon Switzerland".
SAXONY: THE MOST INTERESTING
Sachsen or, the Free State of Saxony (official name) is the easternmost state of Germany, spread across the picturesque valleys of the Mulde and Elbe rivers and in the Ore Mountains, and borders the Czech Republic.
Saxony is a land where history and nature merge into a stunning ensemble. Its capital, Dresden , known as "Florence on the Elbe," enchants with its majestic architecture and cultural heritage. While in the capital, a visit to the Dresden Picture Gallery to admire Raphael's Sistine Madonna is a must. Another recommended destination is the renowned Meissen Porcelain Manufactory.
Breathtaking landscapes, artisan traditions, music, industrial art, and vibrant beer halls make this region unique. A true natural gem of the first magnitude is the Saxon Switzerland National Park , where the romantic Sandstone Mountains meet the tranquil Elbe.
SAXONY: HISTORY OF THE COAT OF ARMS
Interestingly, the territory of modern-day Saxony was never home to the Saxons. Until the 10th century, it was populated primarily by Slavic tribes. In the 10th century, these lands were conquered by Germanic tribes, but a significant portion of the Slavs remained and were gradually Germanized.
The Margraviate of Meissen was then established on this land, and from 1123 onward, the Wettin dynasty ruled it. In 1423, the rulers were given additional territories, along with the title of Elector of Saxony, with the right to participate in the election of the emperor. In 1806, Saxony's status was elevated to kingdom, but after the Napoleonic Wars, Saxony lost two-thirds of its territory. While it was nice to have a kingdom, it left a bitter taste. After 1945, Saxony became part of the GDR and was only re-established as the Free State of Saxony and a federal state of Germany in 1990.
The origin of the coat of arms goes back to the Counts of Ballenstedt , of the House of Ascania, whose coat of arms was also divided into nine sections, black and gold. Although the shield first appeared in the 12th century, the green wreath was added only around 1260. According to legend, when Bernhard of the House of Ascania was appointed Duke of Saxony, he appeared before Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. During the ceremonial procession, the Duke carried his shield, bearing the black and gold stripes of Ballenstedt. Because of the scorching sun, the Emperor wore a wreath of rue on his head. He removed it, placed it on Bernhard's shield, and thus bestowed the Saxon coat of arms.
SAXONY: THE FUN FACTS
The German royal and princely Wettin family is today represented by the House of Windsor, which rules Great Britain, and the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha dynasty of Belgium. The Wettin coat of arms is completely similar to the coat of arms of Saxony. Although it would be more correct to say that Saxony inherited the Wettin coat of arms.
The green band on the coat of arms resembles a crown, but it is actually a stylized rue. In ancient Rome, rue was grown around temples and considered sacred. Early Christians apparently used it as a protection against witches, calling it the "herb-of-grace." For this reason, rue was also known as the "witches' curse." A bunch of rue hanging over a doorway serves as a protective amulet against evil spirits.
SAXONY: ALPINE SKIING
Fichtelberg/Klinovec. Fichtelberg is the highest peak in Saxony, right on the border with the Karlovy Vary Region of the Czech Republic. Together with nearby Klinovec (or Keilberg, if you prefer), Fichtelberg on the Czech side forms a major winter sports center. It's a kind of retro renaissance haven: old two-seater chairs, forested slopes, and a dual history: GDR and Czech Republic. It's more about atmosphere than Olympic grandeur. Then again, Karlovy Vary is nearby...
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