The best cycling routes around Bahretal

really interestingly designed and informative - there are still many more to discover here

a beautiful destination and highly recommended

Schloss Zehista. Info: Schloss Zehista was first mentioned in documents in 1355. In 1736, extensive renovations were commissioned, which were completed in 1742, during which time the castle tower with church was also built. The renovated castle is now used for residential purposes.

According to the explanation, the three penitential crosses were brought together here, although there were once five. Interestingly, these crosses are also called murder crosses, and the middle cross even depicts the murder weapon, a hatchet, which is quite recognizable, especially after the explanation.

Over the centuries, much has changed and been built, including a castle, a church with a cemetery, and much more. Cotta had a favorable starting position for development, as it was located directly on the postal road, which, however, also meant increased dangers during wartime. Predecessor buildings on the site of the Großcotta church existed as early as the 14th century. At the end of the 15th century, a new building was erected, which was remodeled or extended several times in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was already a parish church in the 16th century, encompassing Kleincotta and Neundorf. Around 1620, it received its squat-looking church tower, and since 1746, it has been equipped with a sundial. In 1813, during the Wars of Liberation, Grand Duke Konstantin of Russia stayed in the church. At that time, members of the Russian army also plundered the interior. The nave with its wooden ceiling was rebuilt in 1830. Another renovation took place in 1880. The chancel still has late Gothic rib vaults inside. In earliest times, there was a cemetery in the churchyard. As early as 1590, it was moved to the northern slope of the Spitzberg due to lack of space and expanded again in 1887.

Although it's not immediately apparent, Cotta Castle boasts a long history. This began around the year 1000 when the Burgraves of Dohna established an estate. Within this estate, a manor farm developed, which was first documented in 1307. From 1445 to 1517, the Rauber family of knights owned the manor. Under the Lords of Kospoth, who acquired it in 1517, it was elevated to a knight's estate in the mid-16th century. In 1661, they sold the Cotta estate to the Lords of Friesen. The following year, the Friesen family commissioned the construction of a new castle, while the former castle was subsequently converted into a brewery. Cotta Castle remained in the possession of the Friesen family until 1821, when it was acquired at auction by Gottfried Christoph Härtel. Cotta Castle After his death in 1832, his daughter, Baroness Elwine von Leyser, inherited the castle and manor, which she had remodeled in the Neoclassical style the following year. With her second marriage, the manor passed into the possession of Eduard von Burchardi in 1840. In 1868, it was sold to the Bohemian Baron Bradsky von Laboun. The last owner was Dorothea von Eschwege, who commissioned a Neo-Renaissance renovation in 1895 and had the park laid out. She took her own life the day after the end of the war, and her land was divided among newly settled farmers. In 2017, an entrepreneur from Freital acquired the castle from the municipality and subsequently had it extensively renovated. Today, the castle houses two private, luxurious apartments, offering guests an unforgettable stay. A true gem, hidden in a place where one would least expect to find it.

A beautiful bike ride from Pirna to Schlau and back. It was great. Not strenuous at all.

You can get a lot of information during a visit here.