Rötha, located on the old trade route from Altenburg to Leipzig, was first mentioned in documents in 1127.
Rötha, located on the old trade route from Altenburg to Leipzig, was first mentioned in documents in 1127. Today, the city is best known for its two churches.
The baroque tower of the St. George's Church, located not far from the market square, dominates the city's silhouette. St. Mary's Church, which is currently used as a God's Acre church, was once located on the grounds of Theka village. The patron saint of the church, Christian August Freiherr von Friesen, presented both churches with organs by master organ builder Gottfried Silbermann. These organs are still world-famous today. Happily, interest in organ tours and visits continues unabated.
In the town's museum of local history visitors can palpably experience world history, which unfolded when the castle was chosen by Friesians in October 1813 as the headquarters of the allies against Napoleon, a time when emperors and kings came and went here.
Espenhain was once known mainly for its lignite mining and factories. Today, the area is a popular hiking destination. A lookout tower rises 33 m into the sky on the "Trageser Hochhalde". Tower climbers can enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view of the Leipzig New Lake District.
