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 as experts say, in vain. The ancient city, founded back in 922, whose population today is about 51 thousand people, is able to surprise 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 many wars that the country had to go through, and retained its pristine provincial beauty. The historic center of Goslar (Germany) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Geographical Information
Goslar, an ancient city (regional center), located in Lower Saxony (Germany), in the foothills of the Harz, is divided into twelve urban areas. The total area is 92.58 square meters. km To the south-east of Goslar rises Mount Boksjerg, which runs the bobsled track.
Acquaintance
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.
Numerous church spiers and towers of the city are visible from afar. According to tourists, while walking along the cobblestone bridge between the half-timbered buildings of Goslar, it seems that his rich history comes to life.
Goslar: history of the city
Some scholars believe that a study of the history of Germany should begin with a visit to this town. After all, 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, Enlightenment, the landmarks of the country's difficult history, such as German nationalism, National Socialist dictatorship, German imperialism, the Iron Curtain, left their mark on the guise of the city. 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. The wealth obtained from their extraction 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 century they bore the name - Northern Rome - and was the residence of Saxon emperors.
Once upon a time, congresses of the rulers of German lands were held in the imperial palatinate (palace) of Goslar. Many wealthy people lived here and the merchant guilds that became famous flourished. The city has preserved magnificent buildings - monuments of former eras.
Goslar (Germany): Attractions
Tourists can admire the imperial palace, made in the Romanesque style, 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 was closed in 1988. Since then, its territory has been a fascinating industrial museum where, if desired, guests can familiarize themselves with the history and process and mining of polymetallic ore.
It is very pleasant to stroll through the picturesque squares and streets of Goslar at any time of the year, the numerous shops of the city are waiting for their customers, and its restaurants and cafes are open to meet connoisseurs of delicious food.
What is worth seeing in Goslar?
The ancient city is fraught with many beauties. Connoisseurs recommend tourists who first saw Goslar to visit its most important sights.
Altstadt (historical center)
Guests can wander through the ancient narrow streets that stretch along the Market Square and admire their original architecture. The Kaiserworth Hotel is located on the square, attracting attention with its orange facade, built in 1494. Once this building belonged to the textile guild. Also of considerable interest is the market fountain (13th century), the top of which is decorated with a golden eagle - a symbol of freedom of the imperial city. It should be noted that a copy of the sculpture is located on the market square. The original is in the museum of local lore.
Kaiserpfalz
This palace, built in the 11th century, is a real pride and the main attraction of the city. The building is made in the Romanesque style and for a long time stood destroyed, until in the 19th century the authorities began to revive it. The interior of the tourist's attention is attracted by beautiful paintings and frescoes, which depict famous historical events in Germany. In the chapel of St. Ulrich, in a special sarcophagus, the heart of Emperor Henry III is laid to rest. 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. The cost of a ticket for an adult is: 4.50 euros, for a child - 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. They conduct excursions. Ticket price is 12 euros.
Town Hall
It is best to come here after dark. The light of the lights passes through the stained-glass windows of the late Gothic building and completely magically falls on the pavement of the city square. Inside you can admire the Oath and the paintings of the 16th century. The ticket price for an adult is: 3.50 euros, for a child - 1.50 euros.
Goslar Museum
Here tourists can get acquainted with culture and history. The museum presents an exposition of treasures of the Goslar Cathedral and a room with ancient coins. Ticket price for an adult is 4 euros, for a child - 2 euros.
Pewter Museum
The museum, which displays a collection of various musical instruments, is located on 5 floors. Ticket price for an adult is: 4 euros, for a child - 2 euros.
Menhehaus Museum
This museum is housed in a half-timbered building dating back to the 16th century. Visitors are invited to enjoy the vibrant exhibition of contemporary art. Ticket price - 5 euros.