Founded at the intersection of two important trading routes in the 12th century, Cottbus owes its name to the Wendish expression "Choitsche Budky", which roughly translated means "beautiful little houses". Still true to its name, the town has a wealth of historical attractions including baroque town houses, the lovingly restored Altmarkt square, the gothic abbey church and a number of other monuments. Today, the town offers a remarkable blend of old-established traditions and the modern-day.Spremberg Tower
Dating from the 13th century, Spremberg Tower is the most famous landmark in Cottbus. Along with the town walls, portcullis, moat and outer ward, it was once part of the town's defensive fortifications. With the bastion and gatehouse, it forms the southern gate of the medieval town walls. Once the tallest building in Cottbus at 31 metres high, the tower affords magnificent views of the old town.Abbey church
The abbey church is the oldest place of worship in Cottbus. Built in around 1300, the Gothic brick church is the only building remaining of a former Franciscan abbey. Inside is the oldest piece of Cottbus heritage - a memorial slab depicting the town's founder Fredehelm von Cottbus and his wife Adelheid. Regular church services were once held in the abbey church in the Wendish language for the local Sorbs and Wends, and it is therefore sometimes still referred to as the "Wendish Church".Altmarkt
Situated in the heart of the town, Altmarkt square is an impressive ensemble of handsome town houses with ornate baroque façades and neo-classical gabled houses from the 18th and 19th century. Once the town's centre of commerce, the square is now a great place for a stroll. The main attraction is the "House with the Golden Lions", now the Pharmacy Museum. The market fountain was created recently, based on the design of the historical fountain that once stood here, and depicts figures from the old trades in Cottbus.