In addition to half-timbered houses, the city has a huge number of beautiful villas of the 19th century. They were built during the period of economic prosperity. And it came because of the tradition of selection and breeding of flower and vegetable seeds. This business plays an important role in the city's economy to this day, and you will see seed shops everywhere.
The city also has a castle, which was a monastery and an abbey. The abbey was founded in 936 by Otto I the Great, Duke of Saxony and King of Germany, to perpetuate the memory of Father Heinrich the Birdman. Father, like mother Matilda, were buried in the crypt.
The castle has a cathedral, a museum and a crypt. In the cathedral, be careful, the main treasures of Quedlinburg are collected in small rooms on the sides. After World War II, one of the American soldiers took out many valuables. Among them were a reliquary (a beautiful chest for holy things) and an evangelistarian (a book with Gospel texts) from the 9th century. They were discovered in 1987 and returned to Quedlinburg in 1993 after a lengthy trial. Now the treasures are kept in special capsules with constant temperature and pressure.
The exposition of the museum is not very large, but most of the items are really ancient. In the deepest room in the dungeon, there is an exhibition dedicated to the Nazis, who since 1937 used the cathedral for their rituals. Due to the presence of a crypt, at first the thought crept in that they tried to do the same here as in, but I did not find such information.
Opposite the castle is the Münzenberg mountain, which offers the best view of the castle. Queen Matilda built a monastery here, but now there is nothing left of it except the walls. Nevertheless, be sure to walk along the streets of Münzenberg, you will see a city within a city, such a miniature half-timbered town.
The remains of the city wall can be found throughout the city. Previously, the old city was surrounded by numerous towers, at the moment there are 4 of them left. You can see them on the territory of the Castle Hotel (it is not in the castle, look along the Observation Tower). One of the towers can be climbed, there is an automatic passage, you need to lower a coin of 1 euro.
More photos of Quedlinburg
22150 inhabitants
For a long time, the city in the north of the Harz region served as the favorite place of the first German emperors. Then there was a nunnery and a free trade city. And the story doesn't end there. The very rich past of the city has been preserved in its appearance: more than 1300 half-timbered houses, a castle hill with a magnificent Romanesque monastery church, a Renaissance town hall, Gothic churches with baroque decoration. In 1994, the city was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The city tour can be divided into three parts: the old city, the new city and the castle hill.
Old city
. The magnificent town hall, whose construction dates back to the 14th-15th centuries, with further reconstruction in the 17th century, is located on the market square. The building stands at the intersection of medieval trade routes. Note the harmonious façade overlooking the square, the main entrance, adorned with the city's coat of arms, carried on its chest by a proud imperial eagle. Nearby, on small tablets, you can see the story that it was in Quedlinburg that the history of Germany begins: the Saxon prince Heinrich receives the crown from the hands of other dukes.
Roland statue - a symbol of a free trade city, standing here since the XIV century. The height of the knight is only 2.75, and this is one of the smallest figures in all of Germany. The scars on the face and body of the warrior are traces of the city's struggle against the abbess, followed by the fall of the city and the death of Roland in the 15th century. The symbol of the city's independence was restored only at the end of the 19th century.
Market square and the area around ... A wonderful medieval ensemble, magnificent half-timbered houses. Take a walk along the ancient triangle " Hölle - Pölle - Stieg”- three streets that once formed the core of the free commercial city of Quedlinburg. Here as well as on Marktstrasse and Market Square, you will find some of the most beautiful half-timbered houses in the city, decorated with carved diamond beams, carved semicircles, palm leaves and seashells. On Hölle Street, opposite the Bashmachny Dvor Street (Schuhof), there is the Höller Hof, during the restoration of which parts belonging to the early 13th century were discovered. Thus, in official documents, this house was removed from the pedestal of its predecessor on Vord Street, which was considered to be the oldest half-timbered house in the city.
City Church of St. Benedict. The church building is located behind the town hall, it has been known since the 13th century, built in the form of a hall church in the Gothic style. Inside there are quite interesting objects of religious art: carved winged altars of the late Gothic period, crucifixes, a beautiful Renaissance pulpit. Nearby there is a funny cafe - "" - one cafe in seven old houses, each has its own design inside. Beer and coffee are tested here, delicious.
You can get into it from the market square, walking along a very narrow alley between two half-timbered houses. Previously, shoemakers lived and worked here, now in the romantic atmosphere of the Middle Ages there are antique shops and a hotel. Through the courtyard you can get to Hölle and Pölle and exit to the New Town.
New town .
Steinweg street - the first cobbled street of the city, known since the beginning of the XIV century: they made their way to the market through a viscous swampy area. A tower dominates the market square of the new city St. Nicholas Church, 72 meters high, the highest in the city. The construction of the church also began in the 13th century, together with the founding of a new city (in the old one there was simply no room for everyone who wanted to live). A certain rich shepherd is called among the sponsors, and the church is still a shepherd. The interior of the church is mostly Baroque. Pay attention to the towers: there you can see images of two shepherds with a dog.
The Church of St. Nicholas is also surrounded by numerous half-timbered houses, some of them have been well restored, some of which have yet to go through this process. Not far away, in one of these houses on Kaplanai Street, the first woman doctor in Germany, Dorothea Erksleben, once lived with her husband-pastor of the Church of St. Nicholas, as the memorial plaque says.
Further, the Pölkenstrasse and Heiliggeiststrasse streets lead us back through the old stone bridge to the market square: this is the famous "shopping 0", that is, the ring around the old town, on the site of the former first fortress walls, where the main shops are now located.
Further along the street of St. Blasius it is worth heading towards the castle hill, on the way looking Church of St. Blasius , or Blasiuskirche, built in the old town in the middle of the XIII century, inside it is very successfully decorated in the Baroque style.
Opposite, a small street called Vord leads to the oldest house , a small half-timbered building dating back to the late 13th-early 14th century, which now houses a half-timbered museum, and an ordinary family lived before 1965. Nearby is a large courtyard that once belonged to a wealthy noble family. The building was renovated several years ago.
Then we return to Blasiusstrasse and walk in the direction of the Castle Hill.
By the way, a little further on the left side is brewery where you can watch how beer is brewed, taste it and just have a delicious meal.
Castle Hill.
To climb the mountain to the church and museums, you need to go through the famous Finkheurd at the foot of the cliff, where there are several small half-timbered houses. According to legend, it was in this place that King Heinrich the Fowler was engaged in his favorite pastime, catching birds, as the nickname says, when the German princes came to him with the application of loyalty and the crown. This is how the history of the German state begins. The houses on Firnkerherd are currently being restored.
Church of St. Servatius ... Monastic and castle churches at the same time. In the X-XI centuries, a very important church for the empire, therefore, all efforts were thrown into the rebuilding of a small church that stood here during the time of the first king Henry the Fowler. The result is a wonderful Romanesque basilica with three naves, decorated with ornaments from imperial beasts: on the capitals of the columns and a frieze along the facade of the building. Reichstags were held in the church many times - meetings of German dukes under the leadership of the king, many relics of saints, including St. Servatius, were transferred here. Now the church is a museum: here you can see the famous treasury, which was found in the nineties and returned to its place. Here the first king rests in eternal sleep. The museum exhibits a lot of valuable things from the Middle Ages: richly decorated bibles, reliquaries, as well as the famous Quedlinburg carpet, a tapestry, which was made in the XII century, but, unfortunately, has come down to us only in parts. However, it is one of the most important artifacts of the Romanesque period of its kind.
Castle and Museum. In the building of the castle, which is adjacent to the church, after the death of King Otto IV, a monastery was located, which existed here for a long time. Nearby, later, in the XV-XVI century, a Renaissance building was built. After the monastery was dissolved in 1803, the premises were occupied by the Prussian authorities. In the XX century, a museum appeared here, very interesting for history lovers.
There is also a medieval medicinal garden on the territory, where lavender, thyme and other herbs grow, which were necessary in those days for a person to survive.
A small rose garden is set up nearby, surrounded by charming angels. A magnificent view of the city and its surroundings opens up from here.
City museums.
1. Museum in the Castle. O open from November to March from 10:00 to 16:00. from April to October - 10:00 - 18:00. Attention! Closed Mondays! Entrance fees € 4.50. Combined ticket with church - 7 euros, combined ticket museum + church + half-timbered museum + Klopstock museum - 9 euros.
2. Church of st. Servatia and the treasury.
From November to March 10:00 - 16:00, from April to October 10:00 - 18:00. Entrance ticket: inspection of the cathedral and the treasury - 4.50 euros, inspection of the cathedral, the treasury and the crypt - 6 euros. Attention! Closed Mondays!
3.
Half-timbered museum in the oldest house. open from November to March from 13:00 - 16:00, from April to October 10: 00-17: 00. Attention! Closed on Thursdays !!! entrance ticket 3 euros.
4. Museum of toys and the railway.
Open daily. On weekdays November - March 10: 00-16: 00, April - October 10:00 - 17:00. On weekends and holidays all year round 11:00 - 16:00. Entrance fees € 3.50. Children € 2.50.
Quedlinburg Castle is a medieval architectural and historical monument in the city of Quedlinburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany (Quedlinburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany). The city of Quedlinburg is located in the valley of the Bode River, in the northern part of the Harz mountains and in the old days was considered the northern gateway of this mountain range. It was the perfect place for a settlement.
Article: Quedlinburg Castle
In fact, Quedlinburg Castle is a fortified monastery or abbey (Quedlinburg Abbey), which for many centuries was the seat of secular canons, elected from among the ladies who belonged to the highest aristocracy. The abbey was founded in 936 by the initiative of Saint Mathilda, the second wife and widow of King Henry I the Fowler, as a tribute to his memory. In the tomb of the abbey, both Henry himself and Matilda found their last refuge. For many centuries, the Abbey of Quedlinburg, which possessed considerable wealth, enjoyed great prestige and influence.
In 1994, the old town of Quedlinburg, its historic center, together with the beautiful Quedlinburg Castle, towering above the city on the high hill of Schlossberg, which literally means Castle Hill, were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List (World Heritage by UNESCO). The area of the UNESCO-protected territory is more than 80 hectares. Quedlinburg came under the protection of UNESCO because it is a magnificent example of a modern European city that has managed to preserve its medieval monuments in excellent condition.
In the historical center of the city, there are more than 1600 unique old buildings, which are more than six hundred years old - some of them have survived from Roman times. Surprisingly, there are wooden buildings among the historical sites.
The history of the castle dates back to the 10th century, when, even before 997, on the remains of three previous buildings (the first of which date back to the Roman era), the construction of a three-aisled basilica began, an important monument of Romanesque architecture, known today as Basilica St. Servatius ). The church, whose construction was completed only in 1021, was dedicated to Saint Servatius of Tongeren, the first bishop of Tongra, and Dionysius of Paris (Saint Denis). A fire in 1070 caused significant damage to the church, and it took almost six decades for the basilica to be re-consecrated in 1129, in the presence of Emperor Lothar III. Even in those days, the building of the basilica was impressive not only for its size and facade, but also for the decoration of the walls and interior. Today, in this Gothic hall of the Lutheran church (during the Reformation, the monastery became Protestant), choral performances are held, which can only be observed outside the building.
The interior of the church was an attempt to recreate the impression of pure Rome "" architecture by adding apses, which were first used in ancient Roman basilicas. The creators of the church built the interior according to the principle of alternating Saxon composite columns and supports, which divide the castle into several wings. To the east there is a staircase leading to the ministerial rooms and vaults, where since 1993 the treasures of the Quedlinburg church, ancient artifacts and books have been kept. Prior to that, they, including a precious 9th century reliquary, were listed as missing, as they were stolen by an American soldier named Joe Tom Meador, but were subsequently ransomed and returned to the castle. The dungeon contains the tombs of King Henry the Birdcatcher and his wife Matilda.
The church underwent its last transformation already in the Renaissance, in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, there is a museum in Quedlinburg Castle, which is run by the municipality. In recent years, the hill on which the abbey was built began to collapse, threatening the integrity of the entire castle.
Quedlinburg (Germany) - detailed information about the city, the main attractions of Quedlinburg with photos and descriptions, location on the map.
City of Quedlinburg (Germany)
Quedlinburg is an ancient city in Germany, located on the Bode River in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. It is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Central Europe, the historical center of which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quedlinburg is best known for its old half-timbered houses. Some of them are over six centuries old. In total, over a thousand historical buildings have survived in the old town. One of the symbols of Quedlinburg is the ancient abbey, towering over the city on the Schlossberg mountain and including the abbey's palace and the old church.
Geography and climate
Quedlinburg is located in the northern foothills of the Harz (mountains in northern Germany, which are the highest in this part of the country). The average height above sea level is 123 meters. The city is located in the bed of the Bode River.
The climate is temperate. The average annual temperature is 8.8 degrees. The warmest months are July and August with an average temperature of 17-18 degrees. Winters are mild with temperatures around zero. Interestingly, Quedlinburg is one of the driest cities in Germany. Precipitation falls here less than 500 mm.
Practical information
- Quedlinburg has 28,000 inhabitants.
- The area of the city is 78 sq. km
- Time zone UTC - +1, in summer +2.
- Currency - Euro.
- Visa - Schengen.
History
The first written evidence of Quedlinburg dates back to the first half of the 10th century. After the coronation of Henry I as the first German king, a temporary royal palace arose here. Quedlinburg at that time enjoyed a special favor of the royal family. Celebrations and church holidays were held here.
In 966, the abbey of the same name was founded. The convent is located on the Schlossberg mountain. To the north, a city was founded, which was supposed to supply the abbey. It is interesting that the monastery determined the course of urban life and the development of the city for almost five centuries. In 973, an imperial convention is held here. In 994, city rights were granted to Quedlinburg.
In 1426 the city joins the Hanseatic League. As a sign of gaining freedom, a statue of Roland was erected in Quedlinburg. Freedom and membership in the Hansa did not last long. 51 years later, the conflict between the monastery and the city authorities resulted in armed clashes. Roland's statue was destroyed and Quedlinburg withdrew from the Hanseatic League.
Most of the famous half-timbered houses were built during the Thirty Years War. World War II practically did not affect the city. Although during the GDR times, many historical buildings were in a rather poor condition.
How to get there
The nearest international airport is located in Hannover (57 km). Berlin Airport is 200 km away. Trains and buses run regularly from the capital of Germany and Hanover to Quedlinburg. The city is also well accessible for cars, being close to the A7 and A2 motorways.
Shopping and shopping
There are no large shopping centers in the city and its surroundings. Although there are many authentic shops in Quedlinburg, where you can buy souvenirs and various home accessories, gifts and handicrafts.
Food and drink
In the old town you can find many cozy establishments: bars, cafes and restaurants, bakeries and gastronomy, which offer not only delicious food, but also a wonderful atmosphere.
sights
Quedlinburg is a city with more than a thousand years of history, offering tourists sightseeing of interesting sights and a romantic atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The old town of Quedlinburg is called Munzerberg. It is located on a small hill opposite the Schlossberg mountain. A beautiful panorama of the city and the abbey opens up from the top of the hill.
The highlight of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest ensemble of old half-timbered houses in Germany and all of Europe, scattered among narrow cobbled streets. There are more than 1,300 preserved historical buildings in Quedlinburg. Many of these buildings were built five to six centuries ago. The oldest half-timbered house in Germany, built in the 13th century, is located on Wordgasse 3.
Quedlinburg is home to many charming old buildings. One of the most famous half-timbered houses is Finkenherd House. Very beautiful examples of medieval architecture can be found on the street leading north of the market square - Breite Strasse.
There are also many old medieval buildings in the market square. You should definitely pay attention to the statue of Roland. It was built in the 15th century immediately after joining the Hanseatic League. The statue symbolized the acquisition of freedom. It was destroyed in 1477. Restored in 1869.
In the northern part of the square is the town hall, which has been mentioned since the beginning of the 14th century. Roland's statue is located right next to her.
In the architecture of the market square, the old Gothic church Marktkirche, built in the 13th century and located just behind the town hall, stands out. Among other monuments of sacred architecture, the church of St. Blasius, built in the 13th century and the church of St. Aegis of the 12th century.
The old town of Quedlinburg was surrounded by a powerful city wall with 18 towers. With the growth of the city, most of the towers and walls were demolished. 4 towers have survived to this day. Elements of city fortifications can be seen almost everywhere. The tallest towers are the Gothic towers of the ancient abbey, which are over 70 meters high.
On the Schlossberg mountain, an ancient abbey, founded in the 10th century, rises above the city. The first king of Germany, Henry I, was buried there. The abbey consists of a palace and an old church built in the Romanesque style in the 10th century and rebuilt several times. Two tall Gothic church towers stand out especially in its architecture. For many centuries, the abbey has determined the vector of life in Quedlinburg, therefore it is one of the most iconic places in the city. Now the museum is located here.
One of the most picturesque places in Germany is the town of Quedlinburg, which is located at the northern foothills of the Harz Mountains on a fertile plain. Among its many attractions, it is worth noting the Old Town, where tourists can see half-timbered houses built more than 6 centuries ago and, in general, feel the charm of antiquity. At the end of the 20th century, Quedlinburg became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and since that moment, work is underway to preserve all of its attractions from destruction.
Hotel building in Quedlinburg, Germany (Photo © MARELBU / commons.wikimedia.org / License CC-BY-3.0)
What to see in Quedlinburg?
Cathedral Church of St. Servatius (Stiftskirche St.Servatius). It was built in the 13th century and is considered to be one of the most significant churches of its time. The treasury of this religious building contains many relics and early copies of the Bible. On the territory of the church there is a crypt in which Henry, his widow Matilda, as well as some of the abbeys of the monastery are buried. Quedlinburg, Schlossberg 1. Opening hours: 10: 00-18: 00 Tue-Sat. Ticket price: 8.5 euros for adults, 5.5 euros for concessions.
Castle Museum (Schlossmuseum). It is located on a 25-meter plateau overlooking Quedlinburg. During the reign of Heinrich the Birdcatcher, the castle was supplemented with a residence and a church. Nowadays, the castle houses a museum, where the collection of exhibits from the Ottonid era will be of particular interest to tourists. Quedlinburg, Schlossberg 1. Opening hours: 15: 00-18: 00 Tue-Sun Museum ticket price: 4 euros for adults, 2.5 euros for concessions. Combined ticket: € 8.5 for adults, € 5.5 for concessions.
Fortified Abbey (Quedlinburg Schloss)... A picturesque place with beautiful views, just created for walking. Walking around the city, one cannot help but look, and it is also worth climbing up to the observation deck to enjoy the beauty of the city from above. Quedlinburg, Markt 4. Opening hours: 10: 00-16: 00.
Half-timbered architecture museum (Fachwerkmuseum Baukunst). To the attention of tourists are half-timbered houses, which in the 14th century were built with the help of high, perpendicular to each other, beams. One of these buildings houses a museum, where visitors can get acquainted with exhibits demonstrating construction devices and construction style. Quedlinburg, Wordgasse 3. Opening hours: 10: 00-17: 00 Fri-Wed. Ticket price: 3 euros for adults, 2 euros for concessions.
Lionel Feininger Gallery (Galerie LionelFeininger). This gallery exhibits the work of the Bauhaus artist Lionel Feininger, who was born in the 19th century in New York. After moving to Germany, he was persecuted by the Nazis, from whom he had to hide in the United States. Quedlinburg, Finkenherg 5a. Opening hours: 10: 00-18: 00 Tue-Sun Ticket price: 6 euros for adults, 3 euros for concessions.
Aerial view of Quedlinburg, Germany (Photo © SaxonWarrior / wikitravel.org / License CC-BY-SA-3.0,2.5,2.0,1.0) What to do in Quedlinburg?
Go to the Flock of Finches which is located near the museum illustrating this image in architecture. This is how the locals call the quarter of half-timbered houses, which was erected during the reign of Heinrich Ptitselov.
Take a trip on the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen railway in a picturesque area for acquaintance not only with the city, but also with its surroundings.
Take a look at the Klopstock Museum (Klopstockmuseum), which will acquaint with the work of Friedrich Klopstock, his life, and individual exhibits will tell about Dorothea Erksleben - the first woman doctor.
Travel to Quedlinburg from June to September To visit the program of classical music concerts, it is absolutely not necessary to book tickets in advance, they are almost always available.
Look into the Church of St. Benedict (Marktkirche St. Benedikti) on the Market Square that meets with gothic charm, decorated exterior and luxurious interiors.
Castle and Collegiate Church in Quedlinburg, Germany (Photo © Reinhard Kirchner / commons.wikimedia.org / License CC-BY-SA-3.0,2.5,2.0,1.0) What and where to eat and drink in Quedlinburg?
Cafe Munzenberg (Cafe Munzenberg). This establishment is located on a hill above the city. Having visited this cafe, a tourist will not only taste various drinks and snacks, but also enjoy a wonderful view, and its opening hours often change, so you should find out if it is open before visiting. Average check: 6 euros.
Brauhaus ludde... This cafe is ideal for tourists of all ages; the establishment offers good food and good local beer at affordable prices. Average check: 7.6 euros.
Mom's Burger... American cuisine is famous all over the world, and here it is prepared very tasty and extravagant, the dishes are so beautiful that it is a pity to eat them. Average check: 4.5 euros.
In search of an interesting place to live, you can choose the Hotel am Hoken, which is located near the Fish Square, and in its interior you can see elements of traditional culture.
With children, you should definitely look into the specialized railway museum Mitteldeutsches Eisenbahn- & Spielzeugmuseum.
Hotel building in Quedlinburg, Germany (Photo © Olaf Meister / commons.wikimedia.org / License CC-BY-SA-3.0) A video about Quedlinburg can be viewed at the link below:
Castle in Quedlinburg, Germany (Photo from above © pxhere.com / CC0 Public Domain License)
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