Plauen, Regional center in Saxony, Germany
Plauen is a regional center in Vogtlandkreis within Saxony and sits along the Weiße Elster river in the southwest corner of the state. The town stretches over several hills and valleys, with the historic core around Altmarkt square and surrounding lanes positioned on a rise above the river.
The settlement appeared in written records during the 12th century as a trading post along a route through the Vogtland hills. Town rights followed in the 13th century and later textile manufacturing became the main economic driver.
Lace making shaped the local identity for generations, and old villas from textile manufacturers still line some streets near the center. Smaller workshops in the old town quarter occasionally open their doors to show how thread work is done by hand.
A walk through the center leads from the railway station along Bahnhofstraße to Altmarkt square, from where most sights are reachable on foot. The slopes and stairways between levels require some stamina, though flat paths run along the Elster.
The Syratal viaduct hides a walkable brick vault inside that shows how the historic bridge structure was built. The town also has an underground passage beneath Altmarkt square that once connected the town hall with other buildings.
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