Collegiate Church, Castle and Old Town of Quedlinburg
Quedlinburg, Germany
20.06.2018
The Stiftskirche, Castle and Old Town of Quedlinburg: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The city of Quedlinburg, located in the central German state of Saxony-Anhalt, is home to a unique and rich cultural heritage. The Stiftskirche, Castle and Old Town of Quedlinburg have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, due to their outstanding historical and architectural significance.
The Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) is a prime example of Romanesque architecture and is considered one of the most important churches in Germany. Its construction began in the 10th century and it was expanded over the centuries, resulting in a unique mix of architectural styles. The church is also home to the tombs of King Henry I, the first king of Germany, and his wife Queen Mathilde.
The Quedlinburg Castle was the residence of the Saxon emperors and kings from the 10th to the 14th century. It is a sprawling complex of buildings, including a Romanesque palace, a Gothic castle, and a Renaissance palace. The castle also houses a museum with a vast collection of artifacts and artworks from the region.
The Old Town of Quedlinburg is a well-preserved medieval town, with over 1,300 half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Its winding streets, quaint squares, and charming courtyards give visitors a glimpse into the town's past. The town hall, the market square, and the old town wall are some of the must-see landmarks in the area.
Quedlinburg has a long and eventful history, which is reflected in its architecture and cultural heritage. It was founded in the 9th century by King Henry I and played an important role in the Holy Roman Empire. It was also a major center of trade, crafts, and learning during the Middle Ages. Today, the city continues to thrive as a cultural and economic hub in the region.
Visiting the Stiftskirche, Castle and Old Town of Quedlinburg is like stepping back in time. The well-preserved buildings and rich history make it a popular destination for tourists and a source of pride for the locals. Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list has also helped to raise awareness and preserve this unique cultural gem for future generations.
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Quedlinburg, in the Land of Sachsen-Anhalt, was a capital of the East Franconian German Empire at the time of the Saxonian-Ottonian ruling dynasty. It has been a prosperous trading town since the Middle Ages. The number and high quality of the timber-framed buildings make Quedlinburg an exceptional example of a medieval European town. The Collegiate Church of St Servatius is one of the masterpieces of Romanesque architecture.
Quedlinburg (German pronunciation: [ˈkveːtlɪnbʊʁk] ) is a town situated just north of the Harz mountains, in the district of Harz in the west of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. As an influential and prosperous trading centre during the early Middle Ages, Quedlinburg became a center of influence under the Ottonian dynasty in the 10th and 11th centuries. The castle, church and old town with around 2,100 timber houses, dating from this time of influence, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 because of their exceptional preservation and outstanding Romanesque architecture.
Quedlinburg has a population of more than 24,000. The town was the capital of the district of Quedlinburg until 2007, when the district was dissolved. Several locations in the town are designated stops along a scenic holiday route, the Romanesque Road.
