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They were perfect masters of the high art of commerce - the Gorlitz cloth merchants of the 14th century. When building their houses, they incorporated high central halls, the ideal means of presentation for the valuable fabrics, which draped down from the balustrades above. Their astounded customers were treated to fresh beers from the deep spacious cellars. The rewards were ample! The economy flourished throughout the Middle Ages. But it was also turbulaent at times due to many robberies along the trading route.

Gorlitz enjoyed its second heyday as a Prussian town, belonging to the province of Silesia. The coming of the railways, founding of railway engineering works and the process of industrialization brought about renewed economic upswing.

From the easternmost summer terrace in Germany, one can enjoy fantastic views as Neisse flows past serenely. To the West is Peterskirche and the old riverside town. To the East are houses along the Polish bank of the river. This part of town belonged to Gorlitz until 1945. When the border was drawn up along the rivers Oder and Neisse, the town was divided. Today German-Polish cooperation is everyday business, not only in economy and politics, but also in culture and tourism.