Monument to the Magdeburg Hemispheres on the map. The city of Magdeburg – the green heart of Germany


Magdeburg was the favorite residence of Emperor Otto I the Great, who became Holy Roman Emperor in 962. Otto I loved this city so much that he even presented it to his wife Edita as a marriage gift. Residents of Magdeburg carefully preserve the memory of “their Otto.” The emperor is buried in the city Cathedral of St. Mauritius and St. Catherine, a most valuable monument of history and culture. The powerful towers of the cathedral are visible from afar. Magdeburg Cathedral is one of the most outstanding architectural monuments of Central Germany and is the first cathedral in Germany, built in gothic style. The interior and portals of the cathedral are richly decorated with sculptural carvings. The cathedral is a recognized symbol of Magdeburg. The richness of architectural decoration is also characteristic of another building on the Domplatz cathedral square: for residential complex"Green Citadel", the latest and perhaps most remarkable brainchild of the Austrian architect and artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The complex, decorated in the recognizable Hundertwasser style, stands out against the backdrop of the ancient cathedral walls and the spacious central square of Magdeburg. Along with Emperor Otto I, Magdeburgers remember and honor Otto von Guericke, who also left a deep mark on the fate of the city. The great German naturalist and politician lived through difficult times here - the era of the Thirty Years' War and the years after its end. He devoted 50 years of his life to his native Magdeburg - as its architect, patron and burgomaster. Today, the exposition of his house-museum tells about the activities of Otto von Guericke. By the way, the museums of Magdeburg in last years They have simply been reborn: new public collections appear, the funds of existing museums are replenished with new outstanding objects. Several years ago, a large Technical Museum was opened in Magdeburg, on which the city spared neither money nor effort.

Museums of international rank and importance are also the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Art in the Monastery of St. Virgin Mary, located in the oldest architectural complex of Magdeburg, and the Historical and Cultural Museum. But let's go back to historical Center cities. On the Alter Markt square next to the famous Magdeburg Cathedral stands another of the city's most important landmarks - the Magdeburg Horseman, the oldest free-standing equestrian statue in the region north of the Alps. Residents of Magdeburg believe that the rider on the horse is their beloved Emperor Otto I. Bronze statue dated by historians to c. 1240. In 1967, the original statue was moved to the Historical and Cultural Museum of the city. Since then, the museum has kept it as a living memory of the famous emperor. In the center of Magdeburg there are shops for every taste. For each city resident there is 2.5 square meters. m of retail space: this is one of the best indicators in Germany. Magdeburg's gastronomic center is located around Hasselbachplatz. Numerous pubs, bars and restaurants coexist here with business center cities. We recommend trying fried sausages at the famous all over Germany diner “Curry 54”. Twice a year Magdeburg hosts the city's gastronomic festival "Hassel-Night Line". These days, open-air performances and various concerts are held everywhere on the streets of the city. Fans of theatre, literature and music in Magdeburg will find numerous and varied cultural events, often taking place not only in museums and salons. The city carefully preserves the memory of its natives - poet Erich Weinert, playwright Georg Kaiser and composer Georg Philipp Telemann - and continues their traditions. Unpredictable and capricious, Magdeburg is capable of touching the soul and captivating its guests forever. One of the opportunities to experience the charm of the city is to walk through the well-created cultural and entertainment landscape in the picturesque Elbauenpark. Come to Magdeburg and see for yourself!

A river port on the Elbe River, near the intersection of the Central German Canal and the Elbe - Havel Canal. One of the largest industrial, trade and transport hubs in the country. Large center of heavy engineering ( Magdeburg Heavy Engineering Plant named after Ernst Thälmann, factories named after K. Liebknecht, named after G. Dimitrov and others); Moscow is represented by general mechanical engineering and the production of equipment for the chemical, light, and food industries, and agricultural machinery; instrument making; river shipbuilding (in the suburb of Rotense). There are chemical and food (sugar, meat) industries. Moscow is an important cultural center; medical Academy, graduate School heavy engineering, special school applied arts, water management.

M. was first mentioned in 805. Since 968 it has been the center of the Magdeburg Archbishopric, one of the most important strongholds of the Christianization and Germanization of the Polish and Baltic Slavs. The first in Europe took place in M. city ​​law, the so-called Magdeburg law, which became widespread in Central and Eastern Europe. The wealthy merchants of M. played a prominent role in Hanse. In 1524 the Reformation was carried out in Moscow. In May 1631, during the Thirty Years' War of 1618–48, M. was almost completely destroyed. The new flourishing of M. dates back to the time of the burgomastery in 1646–81 O. Guericke. In 1680 M. came into the possession of the Brandenburg-Prussian electors. Since the 19th century it has been a major industrial center. During World War II (1939–45), an illegal anti-fascist group associated with A. Zefkov’s organization operated in Moscow. In January 1945, Moscow suffered greatly from Anglo-American air raids. After the war, it entered the Soviet zone of occupation of Germany (until 1949).

Planning and architecture. M. grew up around two parallel streets and the area of ​​​​the Old Bridge over the Elbe. The early Gothic cathedral of St. Mauricius und Katharina (1209‒1520, bronze tombstones of the 12th century, rich stone sculpture of the 13th century, paintings of the 15th century), the Romanesque church of Liebfrauenkirche (1064‒1160, Gothic vaults ‒ 1220‒30). It was intensively built up in the 20th century. Residential complexes and a meeting hall were built according to the designs of B. Taut (chief architect of the city in 1921–24) (1922, together with I. Göderitz). It has been restored since 1948. The ensemble of buildings on the Central Square (1954, architects E. Hinsche, I. Kramer and others), the International Hotel (1963, architects H. Scharlipp and others). A project for the development of the center is being implemented (1969, architect H. Michalk).

Lit.: Neubauer E., Häuserbuch der Stadt Magdeburg. 1631‒1720, Bd 1‒2, Magdeburg ‒ Halle/Saale, 1931‒1956.

Great Soviet Encyclopedia. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. 1969-1978 .

See what "Magdeburg (a city in the GDR)" is in other dictionaries:

    Magdeburg, a district in the German Democratic Republic, in the southern part of the Central European Plain, partly in the Harz Mountains. Area 11.5 thousand km2. Population 1.3 million people (1971). The administrative center is the city of Magdeburg. A district with highly developed industry and... ...

    Stendal, a city in the GDR, on the river. Lichte, in the district of Magdeburg. 39 thousand inhabitants (1974). Large d. node. Enterprises of the food and metalworking industries... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

    - (Magdeburg), a city in the GDR, the administrative center of the district of the same name. Founded at the beginning of the 9th century. Grew up around two parallel streets and the area of ​​the old bridge over the river. Elbe. Old city almost completely destroyed by Anglo-American aircraft in... ... Art encyclopedia

    I Magdeburg district in the German Democratic Republic, in the southern part of the Central European Plain, partly in the Harz Mountains. Area 11.5 thousand km2. Population 1.3 million people (1971). The administrative center is the city of Magdeburg. A district with highly developed... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Few today can deny that Magdeburg is a city of contrasts and incredible attractive power. Here the history of the empire and the period of socialist transformations merged together.

The appearance of the city and its history will forever remain traces of the bombing of World War II and the typical style of socialist architecture - wide boulevards and prefabricated reinforced concrete residential buildings, the so-called Plattenbauten. However, it is one of the oldest cities in Germany, founded almost 1,200 years ago and home to the first Gothic cathedral on German soil.

The main historical attraction of Magdeburg. Anyone who sees this architectural marvel will be amazed by the grandeur of its two hundred-meter towers. This architectural monument dates back to 937, when King Otto I founded a Benedictine monastery on this land. After a fire that destroyed the original cathedral, it was only a couple of centuries later that it was rebuilt as a Gothic three-level basilica with a transept, choir and pointed windows.

A total of 300 years were needed for Magdeburg Cathedral to acquire the appearance that residents and guests of the city see today. This is the burial place of Otto I and his English wife Edita. Great and artistic value Cathedral, you can find many works of art here, from elegant sculptures of the 13th century Magdeburg Virgins to the Ernst Barlach anti-war memorial.

Location: Am Dom - 1.

Spread harmoniously among meadows, Elbauenpark lies on the eastern bank of the Elbe - a green paradise. The former military-industrial area has been transformed into a unique, thriving natural park. It appeared for the 25th anniversary of the Federal Garden Show in 1999. Today this unique “cultural landscape” is one of the most important attractions of Magdeburg.

Elbauenpark is filled with blooming roses, places for sports and recreation, on its territory there is a butterfly house, many sculptural compositions and art objects. And the “highlight” of the park is considered Millennium Tower, height 60 meters. This is a museum that has everything from a wooden wedge to X-ray machine, from cave painting to computed tomography - everything that humanity has achieved technologically over the past 6,000 years. A total of 250 exhibits on five exhibition levels.

Location: Tessenowstraße - 7.

The first documentary mention of Welschenturm, part of today's Lukascluz, dates back to 1279. The tower was part of a medieval fortress.

During the Thirty Years' War it was partially destroyed. Being a famous engineer and inventor, the Saxon Otto von Guericke began the reconstruction of all the fortifications and bridges, as well as the bastion. The work was titanic, but the game was worth the candle. Tower of St. Lucas is impressive with his size: the total height is 21.70 meters, and the diameter is 11.42 meters. On the first floor brickwork has a thickness of 1.42 m.

Location: Schleinufer - 1.

In the center of Magdeburg stands the oldest building in the city, as well as a modern arts center, which houses masterpieces of painting and sculpture. The architecture here uniquely reflects the city's changing history, marked by prosperity, destruction and reconstruction. This is not just a museum of past eras, but art as a living, time-dependent system.

Interesting detail: Entrance door The monastery was designed by popular local artist Heinrich Apel and is very funny. You need to knock with the necklace of the woman's bas-relief at the entrance, and to enter you need to press on the man's hat. Entrance to the monastery is free.

Location: Regierungsstraße - 4.

The Old Market of Magdeburg is located in the historical part of the city. The first mention of it dates back to 1176. Unfortunately, the building, which was rebuilt several times, was almost completely destroyed during the bombing. However, the central part of the market, the town hall, was restored to its historical appearance. The figure of the famous Magdeburg horseman rises on the square.

The sculptural composition depicts the ruler on a horse, accompanied by two female figures. A copy is installed on the square; the original is in the Museum of Cultural History.

The statue itself was probably created in the mid-13th century. According to the architects, the rider's gaze and gesture are directed towards the medieval town hall. The horseman is considered a symbol of the privileges and freedoms granted by Otto the First.

The museum's collections are divided into departments of archaeology, the Middle Ages, and city history. The exhibition features coins and medals, furniture, paintings, graphics, crafts, textiles, and even has a separate section dedicated to school history. The museum's storerooms contain more than 800 paintings dating from the 16th to 20th centuries. The museum also has a library.

A famous place in Magdeburg which is located south of the city center. In recent years the square has become a center nightlife. This part of the city was one of the few Magdeburg islets that survived the great bombardment. Today the square and its surroundings have been completely restored. It is filled with dozens of pubs, bars, restaurants and discos.

Magdeburg's newest architectural landmark is the Green Citadel, a building erected in the city by the eccentric artist and architect from Vienna Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The project was completed in 2005. This building is pink as a pig, with trees that grow right on its facades, and green meadows cover its roof.

The house reflects Hundertwasser’s philosophy of creating unique spaces in harmony with nature, a kind of “oases for humanity.” Inside there are offices, apartments and shops, as well as a small hotel and cafe. To understand the architect's intriguing vision, tourists are even offered hour-long tours of the Green Citadel.

Location: Breiter Weg - 10a.

Rothehorn is one of the most beautiful English landscape parks in Germany and the green heart of Magdeburg. Boat trips, dinner on the terrace of a river restaurant, sports on the playgrounds - make this place a center of attraction for both citizens and tourists. The architectural landmark of the park is the town hall, designed in the Bauhaus style. The building was built on the occasion of the world famous German theater exhibition in 1927.

Magdeburg has a lot to offer in terms of tourism and leisure, with numerous sporting and leisure activities, vibrant city parks and cultural attractions. You can walk around the city on foot, ride a double-decker bus or take a boat to explore the city. Magdeburg is beautiful at any time of the year with its Christmas markets, beer bars, cobbled Elbe promenade where everyone rides bicycles, gardens and parks. You can explore it endlessly, discovering the history of the country, getting acquainted with its art, marveling at how old and new give birth to something unique.

Ma'deburg(Magdeburg), a city in the German Democratic Republic, the administrative center of the Magdeburg district. 271.9 thousand inhabitants (1971). An important junction of iron and highways, a river port on the Elbe River, near the intersection with it of the Central German Canal and the Elbe - Havel Canal. One of the largest industrial, trade and transport hubs in the country. A large center of heavy engineering (named after Ernst Thälmann, plants named after K. Liebknecht, named after G. Dimitrov, and others); general mechanical engineering, production of equipment for the chemical, light, food, and agricultural machinery; instrument making; river shipbuilding (in suburb of Rotense). There are chemical, food (sugar, meat) industries. M. is an important cultural center; a medical academy, a higher school of heavy engineering, a special school of applied arts, and water management.

M. was first mentioned in 805. Since 968 it has been the center of the Magdeburg Archbishopric, one of the most important strongholds of the Christianization and Germanization of the Polish and Baltic Slavs. The first city law in Europe, the so-called one, developed in Moscow, which became widespread in Central and Eastern Europe. The wealthy merchants of M. played a prominent role in... In 1524, the Reformation was carried out in M. In May 1631, during the Thirty Years' War of 1618-48, M. was almost completely destroyed. The new heyday of M. dates back to the time of the burgoministry in 1646-81 O.... In 1680 M. came into the possession of the Brandenburg-Prussian electors. Since the 19th century it has been a major industrial center. During World War II (1939-45), an illegal anti-fascist group associated with the organization of A. Zefkov operated in Moscow. In January 1945, Moscow suffered greatly from Anglo-American air raids. After the war, it entered the Soviet zone of occupation of Germany (until 1949)..

Planning and architecture. M. grew up around two parallel streets and the area of ​​​​the Old Bridge over the Elbe. Early Gothic Cathedral of St. Mauricius und Katharina (1209-1520, bronze tombstones from the 12th century, rich stone sculpture from the 13th century, paintings from the 15th century), Romanesque church Liebfrauenkirche (1064-1160, Gothic vaults - 1220-30). It was intensively built up in the 20th century. Residential complexes and a meeting hall were built according to the designs of B. Taut (chief architect of the city in 1921-24) (1922, together with I. Göderitz). It has been restored since 1948. The ensemble of buildings on the Central Square (1954, architects E. Hinsche, I. Kramer and others), the International Hotel (1963, architects H. Scharlipp and others). A project for the development of the center is being implemented (1969, architect H. Michalk).

Lit.: Neubauer E., Häuserbuch der Stadt Magdeburg. 1631-1720, Bd 1-2, Magdeburg - Halle/Saale, 1931-1956..

Magdeburg. Karl-Marx Strasse. 1963-65. Arch. G. Dahlhau, H. Heinemann, F. Jacobs. On the left is the building of 1954 (architects E. Hinsche, I. Kramer and others).

Magdeburg is a city in Germany, located on the banks of the Elbe River, the capital of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. Magdeburg has about two hundred thirty-five thousand inhabitants.

The first mention of Magdeburg in historical references dates back to 805. Here the city passes through as a trading post. A Benedictine monastery was founded here by Emperor Otto I in 937. Adalbert-Vojtech studied at the MacDeburg Cathedral School for ten years (970-980) under the leadership of Adalbert of Magdeburg.

In the 11th century (1013) the city was sacked by the Polish king Boleslaw I the Brave. Thanks to its participation in the League of Schmalkalden, Magdeburg was besieged by the troops of Moritz of Saxony for ten months (October 1550 - August 1551), and was eventually forced to accept an enemy garrison.

During the Thirty Years' War, Magdeburg was besieged by Wallestein's troops for seven months (1629). It was only in 1631 that the troops of the imperial commander Tilly were able to take the city by storm. Having burst into the city, the imperials went on a rampage and exterminated the townspeople. As a result, Magdeburg turned into a pile of ash.

Its religious life also played an important role in the development of the city. Thus, after the founding of the city in 968, the Magdeburg archbishopric was formed, whose representatives constantly fought with their neighbors, the Slavs and the Brandenburg margraves.

Already at the end of the 15th century, the archiepiscopal region had two parts, which were divided by the possessions of Anhalt, and had a total area of ​​5.4 thousand square meters. km. By the 16th century the office of archbishop was electoral. A similar appointment system applied to Magdeburg administrators. In the form of a duchy, the Archbishopric of Magdeburg was annexed to Brandenburg in 1648, which received full power only in 1680.

In the 19th century (1806), the city was again subject to sieges, now by the French corps of Ney. At the same time, two sieges were unsuccessful, and on the third Magdeburg was forced to surrender. Occupied by the French, the city was attacked by Prussian and then Russian troops. The blockade was lifted only after a truce was concluded.

In 1814, Magdeburg was again under siege, but was abandoned only in May by the French after receiving news of the capture of Paris.

During World War II, the city already had 350 thousand inhabitants. During this period, it suffered greatly from Allied bombing, due to which the northern outskirts of Magdeburg were almost completely destroyed.

After the war, the buildings that survived the bombing were dismantled, and only some buildings near the Cathedral could be preserved in their pre-war condition. Before the reunification of Germany (1990), Magdeburg was the center of the district of the same name and was located on the territory of the GDR. Subsequently, the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt is formed, the capital of which is Magdeburg. At the same time, the city center is being formed only in a modern style.

Magdeburg often entered into alliances with cities. In 1315, a union was concluded between the cities of Magdeburg and Halberstadt. The city later joined the league of Saxon cities (from 1357, 1400 and 1416) and, together with Brunswick, was recognized as a suburb of Saxon cities within the Hanseatic League.

Town unions allowed for unhindered trade among their members. The city's prosperity was largely due to the Magdeburg staple law (“Stapelrecht”), which monopolized the grain trade on the middle Elbe. Because of its leading position in the sale of grain, the city was called the “Grain House of the Hansa”. Its international trade relations in the late Middle Ages extended to northern France, Flanders, England, Poland, Russia, Sweden and Norway.

The legal rules governing trade activities, along with the general law of Magdeburg, have been considered the basis of justice in many European countries for many centuries. For more than 800 years, Magdeburg Law has been considered an integral part of the cultural heritage. Thanks to the Magdeburg Craftsmen's Guild, a law was created that, centuries later, became one of the most famous “Export Hits”.

Geographical position, good quality goods and freedom of trade became decisive factors for strengthening trade relations. Until 1666, Magdeburg was part of the Hanseatic League, and in April 2003 the city rejoined the Hanseatic League.

Magdeburg is also known as the birthplace of the German physicist, engineer and philosopher Otto von Guericke.

In 1650, he invented vacuum pumping of air, which is now used at every step. And in 1654, he conducted a famous experiment with the Magdeburg hemispheres, which many read about in physics textbooks. Two copper hemispheres were connected and the air was pumped out of them. Eight horses on each side were unable to tear the hemispheres apart, and thus the existence of atmospheric pressure was proven. There are monuments to the scientist in the city, and hemispheres, symbols of the city, can be found everywhere. The original ones are kept in the German Museum in Munich.

In Magdeburg, the original division of the city into “secular” and “spiritual” parts has been preserved. In the “secular” area there is the Market Square with a two-story early Baroque town hall from the 17th century. In front of the Town Hall, under a stone canopy, stands Roland, the guardian of the city. It is Germany's first free-standing sculpture and dates back to 1240.

The “spiritual” part of the city is represented by numerous monasteries and churches, among them: the monastery of St. Mary, the Cathedral of St. Mauritius and St. Catherine. Magdeburg was the favorite residence of Emperor Otto I the Great, who became Holy Roman Emperor in 962. Otto I loved this city so much that he even presented it to his wife Edita as a marriage gift. Residents of Magdeburg carefully preserve the memory of “their Otto.” The emperor is buried in the city Cathedral of St. Mauritius and St. Catherine, a most valuable monument of history and culture. The powerful towers of the cathedral are visible from afar.

Magdeburg Cathedral is one of the most outstanding architectural monuments of Central Germany and is the first cathedral in Germany built in the Gothic style. The interior and portals of the cathedral are richly decorated with sculptural carvings. The cathedral is a recognized symbol of Magdeburg.

Thanks to these majestic buildings, Magdeburg is called the pearl of the “Romanesque Architecture Route” (Straße der Romanik). Opposite the Old Town, on a peninsula between the old and new currents of the Elbe, is the magnificent Rothehorn city park, laid out in late XIX century.

Somewhat separated from the main attractions is the Otto von Guericke Museum. It occupies several floors of the research center of the same name. The entrance is free. The scientist’s office has been restored in the museum, and materials from his experiment with hemispheres are clearly presented.

The Magdeburg Bridge in Germany is a unique structure that serves not for cars and trains, but for barges, ships and pedestrians. This is the largest water bridge in Europe. It is of great practical importance for German inland navigation. The bridge ensured unhindered communication between the inner Berlin port and industrial facilities on the Rhine. The Magdeburg Bridge passes over the Elbe and connects two of the country's most important waterways - the Central German Canal and the Elbe-Havel Canal and, thus, relieves ships of the need to make a long and sometimes dangerous journey along the river.

The construction of the bridge was planned at the beginning of the 20th century. By 1938, the first stage of the project was implemented. However, then the Second began World War, and a long break in work followed. They resumed only in 1997 and lasted for six years. In October 2003, the bridge was opened with the launch of the first barges across it. The length of the Magdeburg Bridge is 918 meters, of which 228 are over water and 690 are over land.

The richness of the architectural decoration is also characteristic of another building on the Domplatz cathedral square: the residential complex "Green Citadel", the latest and perhaps most remarkable brainchild of the Austrian architect and artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The complex, decorated in the recognizable Hundertwasser style, stands out against the backdrop of the ancient cathedral walls and the spacious central square of Magdeburg.

Magdeburg presents a colorful variety of architectural styles. City houses in Baroque, Art Nouveau, Post-Modern styles, as well as the architecture of Bruno Taut create an incredible cityscape.

Magdeburg is a very green city. The many majestic parks with ancient, incredibly tall trees, such as Rothehorn City Park or Herrenkrug Park, are ideal for long walks, bike rides or picnics.

Fans of theatre, literature and music in Magdeburg will find numerous and varied cultural events, often taking place not only in museums and salons. The city carefully preserves the memory of its natives - poet Erich Weinert, playwright Georg Kaiser and composer Georg Philipp Telemann - and continues their traditions. Unpredictable and capricious, Magdeburg is capable of touching the soul and captivating its guests forever. One of the opportunities to experience the charm of the city is to walk through the well-created cultural and entertainment landscape in the picturesque Elbauenpark.