Magdeburg by the river Elbe

Magdeburg

An “Otto“-matic Appeal 

Magdeburg is now also referred to as “ The city of Otto“. What does this mean? The capital city of Saxony-Anhalt is commemorating two famous Ottos who had great impact on its history. It was not by coincidence that Emperor Otto the First was named “Otto the Great“. His namesake Otto von Guericke was also „ great“ in his own way and his hemisphere experiments were cause for amazement around the globe. To this day, Guerickes hemisphere models are an inseparable hallmark oft he city, and even today Magdeburg Cathedral with Emperors Otto`s burial site remains by far the most important place of interest. But „The City of Otto“ stands for much more: An attitude towards life, a pragmatic approach to things, and hospitality. Come along and see Otto for yourself ! You are most welcome !

Highlights

Magdeburg by the river Elbe

Magdeburg and the Elbe

A rich history connects the Elbe metropolis with the late medieval city league. Long distance trade in Europe made it necessary to coordinate the trade partners. Magdeburg was one of the most important transshipment centers for European trade. The location on the Elbe was decisive. Magdeburg city law monopolized trade on the Elbe. Because of its central position in the grain trade, Magdeburg was called the "bread house of the Hanseatic League".

Eike von Repgow © Stefan Feldt

Monument to Eike von Repgow

Magdeburg city law was the driving force behind the legal development in Germany. Special merit goes to Eike von Repgow (1180-1233), who wrote the first German prose work and one of the oldest legal books with the “Sachsenspiegel”. The Magdeburg merchants' guild created  a law  that has become one of the most famous for centuries "Export hit" of our region.

MVGM-Johanniskirche_Foto © Andreas Lander

St. Johns Church (Johanniskirche)

Johanniskirche is the oldest merchant church in Germany and a landmark of the town. St. John's fell victim to many fires and was destroyed when General Tilly's army invaded Magdeburg in 1631. However the citizens never tired of rebuilding the church. St. John’s Church left its mark on history when an important and far-reaching event took place: On 26th June 1524, Martin Luther held a famous sermon on right and wrong justice whereupon all parishes of the city centre converted to Protestantism – as laid down in the annals of Magdeburg. A memorial in front of the building commemorates this historical event.

Magdeburg Cathedral and Green Citadel

Magdeburg Cathedral of St. Mauritius and St. Katharina

After construction began in 955, the structure underwent several redesigns. The cathedral is the first Gothic-style cathedral on German soil. It was built from 1207 as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Magdeburg. The cathedral is the grave church of Otto the Great, the first German emperor.

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