Welcome to Bautzen, a town perched above the Spree River with one of the most intact medieval centers in eastern Germany. Known for its 17 towers and original fortifications, Bautzen offers a glimpse into centuries-old urban life that has remained largely unchanged. Highlights include St. Peter’s Cathedral, a unique dual-faith church shared by Catholics and Protestants since the Reformation, and Ortenburg Fortress, once the seat of Saxon rulers, crowned by the late-Gothic Matthias Tower. Walking through its cobbled streets, visitors are surrounded by architecture that tells the story of a city shaped by religious, political, and cultural shifts.

Beyond its historic charm, Bautzen is also notable for its cultural and contemporary layers. It is recognized nationwide for its spicy mustard, produced here since the 19th century, and for its role in East German history through two notorious prisons used for political detainees. Bautzen is also home to the Sorbs, a Slavic minority whose language and traditions are protected and actively preserved in the region. This blend of heritage and resilience makes Bautzen a fascinating destination that bridges the past and present.