Page 165 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Germany

EASTERN GERM AN Y  163

SAXONY

Saxony has a long history and is rich in historic sites. Its
capital city, Dresden, ranks among the most beautiful and
interesting towns in Germany, despite the devastation it
suffered during World War II. The region also boasts the
enchanting Erzgebirge Mountains and the glorious scenery
of “Saxon Switzerland”, where the mighty Elbe river runs
amid fantastic rock formations.

In the 10th century, Emperor Otto I centre of the arts and culture until the
created an eastern border province Seven Years’ War (1756–63) put an end
(margravate) in the area presently known to the region’s prosperity. In 1806, Saxony
as Saxony. It quickly grew in size as it declared itself on the side of Napoleon, and
expanded into neigh bouring territories the Great Elector acquired the title of King.
inhabited by the Polabian Slavs. It was But Saxony paid a heavy price for suppor­
divided and part became the Meissen ting Napoleon – following the Congress
margravate, ruled by the powerful house of Vienna (1815), the kingdom lost the
of Wettin from 1089. This dynasty’s northern half of its territory to Prussia,
political power increased when it and in 1871 it was incorporated into
acquired the Saxon Electorate in 1423; the German Empire.
subsequently the entire region under At the end of World War II Saxony was
their rule became known as “Saxony”. in the Soviet­occupied zone and became
From 1697 until 1763 Saxony was united part of the GDR in 1949. Since 1990 it has
with Poland, and the Saxon Great Electors, been a state in the Federal Republic of
Frederick Augustus the Strong and his Germany. Saxony is densely populated
son Frederick Augustus II, were also kings and in some parts heavily industrialized,
of Poland. During this period Saxony but it also has many interesting and
flourished, and Dresden became a major unspoiled towns.

The scenic Bastei rocks in Saxon Switzerland
Night-time view of Dresden’s Brühlsche Terrace

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