The 1200 year old Magdeburg has a rich and colourful past where the
city suffered massive destruction as well as enjoyed periods of
prosperity and progress, contributing to the making of a diverse
city. Today the wide variety of architectural styles and rich
architectural heritage recall the splendour of the days gone by and
also the wealth of the former Hansa city.
Due to architectural gems such as the Monastery of Our Lady, the capital city of Saxony-Anhalt is often lovingly referred to as
the pearl of the “Romanesque Road”. In addition to the Monastery
and various churches, Magdeburg Cathedral continues to form the landmark of the city, dominating the
historic centre of Magdeburg.
Only recently has an outstanding architectural masterpiece been
completed which enriches Magdeburg’s appearance. The famous artist
Friedensreich Hundertwasser wanted to give the city the GREEN CITADEL® OF MAGDEBURG as an “oasis for humanity“. As a result, the house is partly
covered in grass and plants where some occupants are called “tree
tenants” and “window rights” are granted.
The contrast to the historical and modern buildings at Cathedral
Square - a collection of 800 years of rich and diversified
architecture - is remarkable.
Magdeburg represents a colourful variety of architectural styles
where Baroque town houses, stunning Gründerzeit architecture and several buildings in Art Nouveau style as well as
the influence of the New Building movement under the famous
architect Bruno Taut, the Zuckerbäcker or the Post-modern style have contributed to compose the face of
the city.
The green Cathedral City on the banks of the river Elbe lives up to
its name, offering scenic parks and idyllic gardens under the motto
“Garden Dreams”. The stately parks, such as the Stadtpark Rotehorn
or the Herrenkrug Park, are characterised by giant old trees and
spacious floodplains which offer a perfect opportunity for
leisurely strolls, interesting bicycle tours or picnics.
