Discover Magdeburg
Magdeburg is inextricably linked with one technical invention: The Magdeburger Halbkugel were used by Otto von Guericke, born 1602 in Magdeburg, to prove the existence of air pressure. The combined force of 16 horses was not sufficient to tear both metal hemispheres apart, which were only held together by a vacuum???. Otto von Guericke is seen as a pioneer in the field of experimental physics. He also invented the air pump and barometer. Besides his research, he participated at the negotiations on the Peace of Westphalia ending the Thirty Years War as the mayor of Magdeburg. Today he is the namesake of the university, which os a central pillar of the research landscape in the region.
The prominent landmark in the city is the cathedral, which is the first gothic building in Germany. Built in 1209 the Cathredal emerged from a roman building, which was built by Kaiser Otto I in 937 AD. Within the cathedral you can find the burial ground of the emperor and founder of the Holy Roman Empire. Another impressive medieval building is the monastery “Unser Lieben Frauen” and the old town hall with its famous “Golden horseman”, the first freestanding equestrian monument in Northern Europe.
After Magdeburg was mostly destroyed in the last days of World War II, the city has become a modern and lively city since 1989. New landmarks joined the historic building such as the Grüne Zitadelle, the last and largest Building of the Austrian Artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Other buildings were discovered and restored or rebuilt, such as the Festung Mark or the Bastion Kleve. These mighty fortifications state Magdeburgs historic importance.
More information can be found at magdeburg-tourist.