Zittau

Zittau is a city located in the Görlitz district of Saxony, Germany, very close to the borders with Poland and the Czech Republic. It is situated in the tripoint region where these three countries meet.

Historically, Zittau was a significant trade center, benefiting from its strategic location on trade routes connecting Bohemia, Silesia, and Lusatia. The city was an important member of the Lusatian League (Oberlausitzer Sechsstädtebund), a union of six Upper Lusatian towns that wielded considerable political and economic influence in the region from the 14th to the 19th centuries.

Zittau is known for its historical architecture, including its Baroque town hall and numerous well-preserved buildings in the old town center. The city is also home to the Zittau Mountains Nature Park (Naturpark Zittauer Gebirge), which offers opportunities for hiking and outdoor recreation.

The city's economy is diverse, with sectors including tourism, manufacturing, and education. Zittau is a university town, hosting a campus of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz).

Zittau's cultural landscape features various events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its history and regional traditions. The city is also a gateway to exploring the surrounding areas of Saxony, Poland, and the Czech Republic.