Why Riesa
Riesa is a town situated along the Elbe River in the Meißen district of Saxony, Germany, roughly 40 kilometers northwest of Dresden. Known historically as a manufacturing center, the town gained prominence through its industrial sectors, including steel manufacturing, match production, and regional pasta making.
The town’s origins date back centuries, with its name originating from the Slavic designation Riezowe, documented as Rezoa in 1119 by Pope Callixtus II. Riesa experienced substantial growth in the early twentieth century alongside rapid industrialization, though its population later contracted from 52,000 to 31,000 following German Reunification in 1989 and the closure of local steelworks. Historical technological milestones include the construction of the world's first 110 kV power line between Riesa and Lauchhammer in 1912. The town served as a district seat from 1952 to 1994 and hosted the Soviet military's 9th Tank Division during the 1980s.
Visitors to Riesa can explore several notable landmarks, including historic religious sites. St. Marien minster was erected in 1261 as an addition to a Benedictine Abbey, while Trinitatis Church was completed in 1897. A prominent modern feature is Elbquelle, a 25-meter-tall cast-iron sculpture erected in 1999 by artist Jörg Immendorff. Weighing 234 tonnes and depicting an oak trunk, the monument is locally referred to as the Rusty Oak.
Riesa hosts a variety of athletic and entertainment events. The local football team, BSG Stahl Riesa, plays in blue and white colors within the Landesliga Sachsen. A major local venue, the SACHSENarena, hosted the European Sumo Wrestling Championship in 2003 and the World Sumo Wrestling Championship in 2004. The arena has also served as the venue for the Professional Darts Corporation's International Darts Open.
Travel to and around Riesa is facilitated by direct rail and road connections. Riesa railway station, located north of the town center, provides both regional and long-distance passenger train services. Drivers can access the town via the Bundesstraße 169 highway, which connects to the A 14 motorway near Döbeln, approximately 25 kilometers away, and the A 13 motorway near Ruhland, roughly 50 kilometers away.
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