District Meißen Time zone CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2) Population 34,777 (31 Dec 2008) Dialling code 03525 Team BSG Stahl Riesa | Elevation 109 m (358 ft) Area 58.7 km² Local time Thursday 8:10 AM Number of airports 1 | |
 | ||
Postal codes 01587, 01589, 01591, 01594 Weather 11°C, Wind SW at 11 km/h, 84% Humidity | ||
Riesa is a town in the district of Meißen in the Free State of Saxony, Germany. It is located on the Elbe River, approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of Dresden.
Contents
- Map of Riesa Germany
- History
- Population history
- Sons and daughters of the city
- Sights
- Culture
- Twin towns
- Transport
- References
Map of Riesa, Germany
History
The name Riesa is derived from Slavic Riezowe. This name, romanised as "Rezoa", appears first in October 1119 in a document from Pope Callixtus II.
The world's first 110 kV power line was installed between Riesa and Lauchhammer in 1912. Between 1952 and 1994, Riesa was the seat of a district.
During the 1980s, Riesa was the headquarters of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany's 9th Tank Division.
Population history
The city grew from the start of the 20th century due to industrialisation. The population declined after German Reunification in 1989. The local steel works shut and the population fell from 52,000 to 32,000.
Sons and daughters of the city
Sights
Riesa has a 25m tall, 234 tonne, iron (GGG 40) sculpture of an oak trunk, named "Elbquelle", by Jörg Immendorff erected in 1999. There are many other names for the Elbquelle, for example "Rostige Eiche", which means "rusty oak". Many inhabitants of Riesa call the sculpture "Rostige Eiche", because it looks rusty.
In the city of Riesa there are two famous churches. The minster St. Marien arose in the year 1261 in addition to the Benedictine Abbey. The Trinitatis Church was constructed later, completion in the year 1897.
Riesa is also known locally for the Erdgas Arena, a large hall which hosted the European Sumo Wrestling Championship in October 2003 and the World Sumo Wrestling Championship in October 2004.
Culture
Riesa is well known locally for its pasta, which is produced in the Teigwaren Riesa . Another symbol of Riesa are the "Riesaer Zündhölzer", the matches which were traditionally manufactured there.
Very famous is also the steel production in Riesa.
Notable people from Riesa include the former footballer Ulf Kirsten. Riesa has a football club, BSG Stahl Riesa. The club's crest is blue and white, as are the club colours. They play now in the Landesliga Sachsen (6th. League).
Twin towns
Riesa is twinned with:
Transport
Riesa railway station is located north of the town's centre, it offers both regional and long-distance services.
Riesa is located on Bundesstraße 169, which ensures access to federal motorways A 14 (close to Döbeln, approx. 25 km) and A 13 (close to Ruhland, approx. 50 km).