A monumental 12m-tall statue of Karl Marx, with the head alone towering at 7m, stands right in the heart of Chemnitz. It is a reminder of the Soviet regime when the town was renamed as the Karl Marx Stadt.
At its heart though, the third-largest city in Saxony is a 12 th -century mediaeval town founded by Benedictine monks which flourished as one of the wealthiest cities in the land. It is believed that there was a mediaeval market here right in the heart of the city during the 12 th century, but only a few monuments have since survived the ravages of time and war. Soak in the atmospheric vibe of the square and potter around the cobbled streets and lanes that are reminiscent of an old-world charm.
Continue exploring the historic and cultural tapestry of Chemnitz by taking in the artistic and architectural legacy of the city. Over 6, exhibits dating from the Paleolithic age to the industrial era are in the State Museum of Archaeology SMAC , housed in a former Schocken department store which is an architectural gem of the classical modernism period.
Next, art and architecture enthusiasts should flock to the Museum Gunzenhauser, where you can see 2, works of German art. To learn more about the history of Chemnitz, visit the Schlossberg Museum which is housed inside a mediaeval Benedictine monastery. You will find a rare and priceless Holy Sepulchre there, of which only three are left in Europe. One of the most beautiful squares in Chemnitz, the Theaterplatz is known for hosting concerts and events.
If you are here on a Wednesday, the museum is open until 9PM. Don't miss a mesmerising performance at the Opera House either.
