Goslar, Germany: history of the city, attractions

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

This amazing cozy town with its indescribable atmosphere and ancient architecture is located in Lower Saxony (Germany). For unknown reasons, many guidebooks are silent about Goslar. And according to experts, absolutely in vain. The ancient city, founded back in 922, with a population of about 51 thousand people today, can surprise you with a huge number of interesting historical and cultural attractions.

One of the oldest cities in Germany - Goslar - is famous for its silver deposits. In addition, this place is the historical residence of the Saxon emperors. It is known that the city almost did not suffer during the numerous wars that the country had to go through, and retained its original provincial beauty. The historic center of Goslar (Germany) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geographic reference

Goslar, an ancient city (district center), located in Lower Saxony (Germany), in the foothills of the Harz, is divided into twelve city districts. Total area - 92, 58 sq. km. To the southeast of Goslar rises Mount Boxjerg, along which a bobsled track runs.

Introduction

Goslar is a wonderful picturesque town located in one of the mining areas among low wooded mountains. It is known that in the 10th century, rich reserves of silver, gold, tin, copper and zinc were discovered in this area, and since then Goslar (Germany) has become the ore treasury of the Holy Roman Empire.

Many church spiers and towers of the city are visible from afar. According to tourists, while walking along the cobblestone pavement between the half-timbered buildings of Goslar, it seems that its rich history comes to life before your eyes.

Goslar: the history of the city

Some scholars believe that a visit to this town should begin the study of the history of Germany. Indeed, with its origins, Goslar dates back to the Neolithic period and passes through ancient Saxon times, the era of the Holy Roman Empire, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, such milestones in the country's difficult history as German nationalism, National Socialist dictatorship, German imperialism, the Iron Curtain, reunification of Germany, etc.

Goslar was founded in the 10th century by Emperor Henry I after rich deposits of silver and other minerals were discovered nearby, in the vicinity of the city of Rammelsberg. We alth derived from thembooty, attracted the attention of the Roman emperor and brought Goslar the status of an imperial city. In the period from the 10th to the 19th centuries, they were called - Northern Rome - and were the residence of the Saxon emperors.

Once upon a time in the imperial palatine (palace) of Goslar, congresses of the rulers of the German lands were held. Many we althy people lived here and the famous merchant guilds flourished here. The city has preserved magnificent buildings - monuments of previous eras.

Goslar (Germany) Attractions

Tourists can admire here both the Romanesque Imperial Palace and the houses of eminent citizens and merchant guilds, numerous churches and chapels, many half-timbered buildings traditionally decorated with intricate carvings.

The famous Rammelsberg mine closed in 1988. Since then, its territory has been a fascinating industrial museum, where, if desired, guests can get acquainted with the history and process of polymetallic ore mining.

It is very pleasant to walk along the picturesque squares and streets of Goslar at any time of the year, numerous shops of the city are waiting for their customers, and its restaurants and cafes are cordially open to connoisseurs of delicious food.

What is worth seeing in Goslar?

The ancient city is fraught with many beauties. Connoisseurs recommend that tourists who see Goslar for the first time should definitely visit its most important sights.

Altstadt (historic center)

Guests can wander through the ancient narrow streets,stretching along the Market Square and admire their original architecture. On the square is the Kaiserworth Hotel, which was built in 1494 and attracts attention with its orange facade. Once this building belonged to the guild of textile workers. Also of considerable interest is the market fountain (13th century), the top of which is decorated with a golden eagle - a symbol of the freedom of the imperial city. It should be noted that there is a copy of the sculpture in the market square. The original is in the local history museum.

Kaiserpfalz

This palace, built in the 11th century, is the real pride and main attraction of the city. The building is made in the Romanesque style and for a long time stood in ruins, until in the 19th century the authorities took up its revival. In the interior, the attention of tourists is attracted by beautiful paintings and frescoes depicting famous historical events in Germany. In the chapel of St. Ulrich, the heart of Emperor Henry III is laid to rest in a special sarcophagus. The entrance church, located below the palace, was restored not so long ago. In it, tourists can see the throne (11th century), on which representatives of the Salic dynasty sat. Paid entrance. Ticket price for an adult is: 4.50 euros, for children - 2.50 euros (for reference: 1 euro is 76.58 rubles).

Rammelsberg Mine Museum

The mine, located 1 km south of the city center, has a thousand-year history and is not only a museum, but also a UNESCO monument. Hereconduct tours. The ticket price is 12 euros.

Town Hall

It's best to come here after dark. The light of the lights passes through the stained-glass windows of the late Gothic building and, quite magically, falls on the pavement of the city square. Inside, you can admire the Oath Hall and the 16th century paintings in it. Ticket price for an adult is: 3.50 euros, for children - 1.50 euros.

Goslar Museum

Here tourists can get acquainted with the culture and history. The museum presents an exposition of the treasures of the Goslar Cathedral and a room with ancient coins. The ticket price for an adult is 4 euros, for children - 2 euros.

Tin Figure Museum

The museum, which exhibits a collection of various musical instruments, is located on 5 floors. Ticket price for an adult is: 4 euros, for children - 2 euros.

Monhehouse Museum

This museum is housed in a half-timbered building dating back to the 16th century. Visitors here are invited to admire a vibrant exhibition of contemporary art. Ticket price - 5 euros.