Hotel Ratswaage

Otto von Guericke & the Magdeburg hemispheres

by Leipzig

The physicist Otto von Guericke (1602-1686) studied at Leipzig, Helmstedt and Jena and served as an engineer and a diplomat. He was the first to show that a bell cannot be heard in a vacuum, that animals will die in a vacuum, fruit can be preserved if they are placed under the evacuated bell jar, and a flame cannot be maintained in a vacuum.

The experiment, in which eight horses on the right and eight horses on the left are trying to pull apart two evacuated hemispheres, was performed in 1657 at Magdeburg, Germany by Otto von Guericke. The hemispheres were made of bronze and were about 37cm (1.2 feet) across. Von Guericke calculated that a force of almost 12.000 Newton would be needed to pull the two hemispheres apart.

Hasselbachplatz

by Kathrin_E

Hasselbachplatz is the centre of the southern city. The circle where six streets meet is a car and tram traffic hub. Its appearance tells a lot about development in DDR times and after the reunification.

Nearby Hegelstraße has been restored to a beautiful residential quarter. Hasselbachplatz, though only two blocks further, still looks run down. Some of the old houses around have been restored, others are still close to collapse – from these you can guess what the whole quarter looked like 20 years ago.

Hasselbachplatz has become the meeting point of certain groups of people you won’t want to meet after dark. Since police have installed video observation and banned the consumption of alcohol in the square the situation has improved. Anyway, Hasselbachplatz isn’t the Bronx but if you have to pass here on foot in the evening keep your eyes open, or better avoid the square altogether. In the daytime there is no danger.

Street furniture

by Mariajoy

I am always reading on VT "Look up!" but occasionally it's worth remember to "Look down!" You might see something interesting!

It maybe just a manhole cover, but someone took the trouble to design and make it, knowing full well people would just walk right over it! :)) There's all kinds of street furniture that we walk straight past, but often has interesting detail and information that goes unnoticed.

Staatskanzlei, Domdechanei and Domherrenkurie

by Leipzig

The Staatskanzlei (State Office) is located at Domplatz 7. It was built as a residential building in baroque style for the local vintner Christian Winneberg between 1724-1728 . The Domdechanei was erected in the years 1728-31 as imperial boarding house. Next to it is the Domherrenkurie (curia of the prebendary), built as Palais in 1732 für for Dr. Christian Knaut.

Welcome to 1200 year old Magdeburg

by Gerrem

"1200 years of history!"

The 1200 year old city on the banks of the river Elbe looks back on a rich and everchanging past. Magdeburg has suffered many destructions, however the city has always blossomed again and today's appearance paints an exciting picture of its colourful past. Art and architecture from all time periods bear witness to the bygone splendour and wealth of the former Imperial city.

Due to the beautiful Monastery of Our Lady and other architectural marvels in Romanesque style, Magdeburg has been lovingly referred to as the "pearl" of the Romanesque Road. Apart from the monastery and various churches, all erected in Romanesque style, the Cathedral of Magdeburg - proud and famous landmark of the city - dominates the historical city centre.

Magdeburg has something to offer for every age and lifestyle. If you are looking for green spaces in order to relax, come and enjoy a green city which boasts more than 20 public gardens and parks. The city is embedded in a scenic river landscape, both the river Elbe and the marvellous and unique floodplains offer wonderful sights to every naturalist.