Old Town of Goslar - Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System
Goslar, Germany
21.06.2018
The Old Town of Goslar – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Goslar, located in the Harz Mountains of Germany, is a charming town that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town's history dates back to the 10th century when it was a center of mining and trade. The Old Town of Goslar, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, tells the story of its rich past and is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
One of the most prominent landmarks in the Old Town is the Imperial Palace of Goslar, also known as the Kaiserpfalz. It was built in the 11th century and served as a residence for the Holy Roman Emperors. Its impressive architecture, with its intricate details and grand halls, showcases the power and wealth of the emperors.
The Market Square is the heart of the Old Town and is surrounded by colorful half-timbered houses that were once the homes of wealthy merchants. The square is also home to the Goslar Town Hall, a magnificent Gothic building that has been the seat of the town's government since the 15th century. It is also the starting point for the famous Rathaus Gasse, a picturesque street lined with historic buildings and quaint shops.
The St. Peter and Paul Church is another historic gem in the Old Town. This Romanesque church, built in the 12th century, features a beautiful bell tower and stunning frescoes from the 13th century. It is also the final resting place of Emperor Henry III.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Old Town of Goslar is its network of underground tunnels and mines. These tunnels, built in the 12th and 13th centuries, were used for mining and provided a way for the townspeople to escape during times of war. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of these tunnels and learn about the town's mining history.
Aside from its historical significance, the Old Town of Goslar is also known for its cultural events, such as the Goslar Christmas Market, which has been held since the 16th century. The market, with its festive atmosphere and traditional crafts, is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Marvel at the medieval charm of the Old Town of Goslar and immerse yourself in its fascinating history. It is truly a gem that should not be missed when visiting Germany.
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The Upper Harz mining water management system, which lies south of the Rammelsberg mines and the town of Goslar, has been developed over a period of some 800 years to assist in the process of extracting ore for the production of non-ferrous metals. Its construction was first undertaken in the Middle Ages by Cistercian monks, and it was then developed on a vast scale from the end of the 16th century until the 19th century. It is made up of an extremely complex but perfectly coherent system of artificial ponds, small channels, tunnels and underground drains. It enabled the development of water power for use in mining and metallurgical processes. It is a major site for mining innovation in the western world.
Goslar (German pronunciation: [ˈɡɔslaʁ]; Eastphalian: Goslär) is a historic town in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is the administrative centre of the district of Goslar and is located on the northwestern slopes of the Harz mountain range. The Old Town of Goslar with over 1.500 timber houses and the Mines of Rammelsberg are UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their millennium-long testimony to the history of ore mining and their political importance for the Holy Roman Empire and Hanseatic League. Each year Goslar awards the Kaiserring to an international artist, called the "Nobel Prize" of the art world.
