ZittauGörlitz

ZittauGörlitz is a cross-border urban concept referring to the pair of towns Zittau and Görlitz in eastern Saxony, Germany. The term reflects their geographic proximity, historical ties, and shared cultural landscape across the Neiße River, which forms part of the border with Poland (Zgorzelec). While not an administrative unit, ZittauGörlitz is used in tourism, cultural branding, and cross-border cooperation to describe a regional corridor linking these two historic towns and their hinterlands.

Geography and history: Görlitz lies on the Neiße opposite Zgorzelec, with a well-preserved historic center spanning Gothic to Baroque architecture. Zittau sits to the south, in the Lusatian Mountains, and features a compact old town and notable churches, including the Church of the Holy Cross. The area has long served as a crossroads of Central European cultures and trade routes, contributing to a rich architectural and linguistic heritage.

Modern context: Since German reunification the region has participated in cross-border cooperation networks within the European context, notably the Euroregion Neiße-Nisa-Nysa, promoting mobility, cultural exchange, and economic development. Tourism highlights include historic cityscapes, the nearby Zittauer Gebirge, and Görlitz as a shooting location for films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, which has brought international attention.

This article uses ZittauGörlitz to denote the cross-border urban relationship rather than a formal administrative entity.