On Saturday afternoon, we decided at the last minute to drive up to the Spreewald (Spree forest) a little over an hour north and outside of Saxony. The Spree is an area inhabited by the Sorbs, and is basically a big, woody marshland. So, over time the Sorbs built canals and polders, as a means of making the land livable and farm-able. They still live and farm using their old manual tools, maintaining a unique way of life.
Unfortunately, we got lost a long the way, and arrived as the light was waning, so it wasn't great for taking pictures. But it was fun to see and a nice drive. I would recommend it for anyone visiting the area in the summer, as it looked like it would be very beautiful!
We ate at the cutest little guest-house...
On Sunday we decided to drive up along the Elbe on our way out to Leipzig. On the way we stopped in Meissen, most known for their incomparable (ridiculously expensive) porcelain. We opted out on the porcelain factory tour, and decided to visit their local castle instead. It had lots of turrets and wings, and sat quite dramatically on a precipice overlooking the river. One thing that I think which makes it unique is that it has cathedral towers mixed in with its castle towers. We told Luna it was Belle's castle from Beauty and the Beast...
View from the old town center, down below...
Passage down to the city...
View from the castle across the river...
And up inside the complex...
The cathedral in the castle complex has the interesting distinction of being one of the smallest in Germany. It was great to walk aroun din though, because it was very open and many areas which are frequently closed off were accessible, including balconies and 2nd story chapels, which made for great picture taking!
Interesting carved figure on the side of a sarcophagus.
If you look closely at this sculpted frieze ( can't remember if that is what you would call this?) it is alternating castle and church tops.
Painting attributed to Lucas Cranach the Elder...
Some figures on either side of the alter...
had curious expressions...
Really a treat to be able to get shots like these...
Another fun expression!
The castle part of the complex... The windows are amazing!
And this circular stairwell...
Mosaic of St. George and the dragon on the gate tower.
Gate tower...
Hinged wooden shutter above the gate... "Who goes there?"
View down from the fortress walls.
Back inside the walls.
What a fun stop on our way to Leipzig!
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