Villa Marie

Villa Marie is an Italian-inspired residential building in Blasewitz located right beside the Blue Wonder bridge, featuring a distinctive tower and bay windows. The structure shows clear Mediterranean design elements and sits prominently on the Elbe riverbank.

The building was constructed in 1860 following Italian designs by architect Friedrich Pötzsch and was originally called Monbijou. After World War II, it received its current name when owner Marie Hortenbach lost the property.

The name comes from a former owner and reflects the connection between private ownership and local memory. Visitors can still see the rooms where artists gathered in the 1980s to display their work.

The building now houses an Italian restaurant with views of the Elbe, where visitors can dine and enjoy the surroundings. The location is easily accessible on foot and offers fine views from the terrace across the river and the surrounding hills.

Local residents fought against the building's demolition in 1988 when it was deteriorating, leading to its complete restoration in the 1990s. This community-driven rescue turned the villa into a symbol of preservation through citizen action.